SPRING / SUMMER
2013
OLLAND HALL TM
www.hollandhall.org
MAGAZINE CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS
welcome
Culley Family New Head of School J.P. Culley, wife Mary & son Louie join the Holland Hall community July 2013.
2012-2013 Holland Hall Board of Trustees Keith C. Goddard ’87 Chair
Rhonda Chastang J.W. Craft
Roger B. Collins Vice Chair, Chair Elect David Keglovits Secretary
Matthew S. Farris Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Bill G. Freudenrich
Charles K. Lamson Treasurer
Elizabeth G. Hagans
Susannah Hocutt Adelson ’85
Robert L. Hughes ’84
Philip B. Allen ’73
Courtney Latta Knoblock
Britani Bowman
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny Diocesan Bishop
Clint E. Brumble ’93 Alumni Association President
Frederick P. Koontz ’81 Kenneth D. Busby ’85 Tammie L. Maloney Geoffrey C. Butler Harold W. Salisbury Kimberly Campbell Parents’ Association President
Margret H. Warren ’82
C ont e nt
ADMINISTRATION Richard Hart Interim Headmaster Liz Anderson Director of Communication
Steve Dyer Director of the Walter Arts Center & Fine Arts Henry Finch ’76 Director of Technology
Joel Bicknell Head of Middle School
Steve Heldebrand Athletic Director
Charlie Brown Interim Director of Institutional Advancement
Leslie Kelly Chief Financial Officer
Dennis Calkins Head of Upper School
Olivia Martin Interim Director of Admission & Financial Aid
Brent Casey Interim Director of College Counseling
Jo-An Vargo Head of Primary School
Holland Hall Magazine is a biannual publication. Holland Hall is an independent coeducational college preparatory school affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma serving students from 3-year-olds through 12th grade. The School shall provide equal opportunity in education and employment for all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military service, sexual orientation or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
2
4
From the Interim Headmaster
5
Holland Hall Happenings
6
Commencement Student Address By Phillip Thomas White ’13
8
Class of 2013 College Acceptance List
10
Downtown Tulsa Studies 2 By Markham Johnson
12 16
School News
20
Spotlight: Phil Sweeney, Upper School Teacher
21
Secondary Science Education: Content or Process? By Karen Harris & Dr. Keri Shingleton
22
Advancement News
Bonjour! Eighth Grade French Exchange By Hye-Young Kim-Garnier
SPRING / SUMMER
2013
OLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
TM
CONNECTING ALUMNI & FRIENDS
28 32
Jared P. Culley: Holland Hall's New Head of School Begins July 1.
34
Focus on Arts
38
From the President of the Alumni Association
39
Class Notes
46
Trivia Night 2013
48
Alumni Reunion Weekend
50
Dutch Sports Highlights
51
Athletic Hall of Fame and Sports Banquet
A Tribute to Retiring Faculty & Staff
on th e co v e r Welcome Culley Family: Holland Hall's 19th Head of School Jared P. Culley, wife Mary & five-year-old son Louie join the Holland Hall community July 2013.
Cover photo courtesy Shannon Lenoir Photography. Thank you to contributing photographers: Shirley Sokolosky, Michele McManus, Greg Spencer ’99 and many parent volunteers. Holland Hall Magazine welcomes letters to the editor on subjects raised within the pages of the magazine. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include a name, address and daytime telephone number with all correspondence. Address changes, corrections or omissions and material for publication are also welcome. Holland Hall Magazine Institutional Advancement 5666 East 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137-2099 Phone: (918) 481-1111 Fax: (918) 879-4793 Questions concerning the magazine, please contact Liz Anderson, Director of Communication at landerson@hollandhall.org. Questions concerning alumni, please contact Christy Utter '92, Director of Alumni Relations at cutter@hollandhall.org. For more information about Holland Hall and the Office of Institutional Advancement, visit www.hollandhall.org.
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
3
From the Interim Headmaster
I
t was enlightening to observe the process of closure at Holland Hall during the last month of the school year. Independent schools around the United States regularly have discussions about what form or level of closure is most appropriate at different stages of the developmental process. I did not have an opportunity to attend all the PreSchool Family Parties, Water Days and Hawaiian Beach Parties, but, having seen them in the past, I can picture the excitement, fun and familial support present in each. For the older students in the Primary School, the closing ceremony is the Bridge Crossing, which, before the renovation of the building and playgrounds five years ago, took place on a small climbing apparatus over an indentation in the 2nd grade playground surface. Currently, there is a bridge at the northern end of the pond and all 3rd graders convene on the east side while family members await their opportunity to snap photos and video the children as they stroll over the bridge to the Middle School side. Students are recognized for the accomplishment of successfully completing the Primary School program and each student receives a small, personalized medal as he or she moves forward. The Middle School Closing Exercise is very similar in its direct, understated approach. After the final examinations and a class lunch, students listen to an Upper School welcome speech and one of their classmates before receiving a certificate indicating the students’ fulfillment of the requirements to move forward. The Holland Hall Commencement ceremony is a different type of event. Steeped in tradition with the girls wearing long white dresses and boys in tuxedos, the community convenes to recognize the group and certain individuals for outstanding performances in the Upper School. When I arrived 19 years ago, I remember thinking how much more formal the event is than any I had seen at other schools, but, through student and faculty speeches, which are regularly well-prepared and the words of the Upper School Head, it is easy to get a good sense of the value placed on the contributions of the class of students before they head off to their chosen institution of higher learning. Like the Bridge Crossing and Closing Exercise, the Commencement ceremony is a well-orchestrated event befitting the significance of the particular stage in life. As the 2012-13 school year closes, we look ahead to the beginning of a new era at Holland Hall. As you might have heard this spring, certain long-tenured faculty members are retiring and, in the recent months, their positions have all been filled with knowledgeable teachers who will bring a new perspective and expertise to the educational program. The upcoming year will also provide Holland Hall with an opportunity to take a closer look in a concerted, coordinated manner at the specifics of how we go about the business of educating children. The ISAS Self-Study will be completed over the course of the year in preparation of the school’s accreditation visit scheduled for January 2015. In preparation for all that is on the horizon, we look forward to the arrival of our new Head of School, Mr. J.P. Culley, who will play a significant role in organizing the coordination of the upcoming tasks. Mr. Culley will officially be moving into his office in the Upper School on July 1, 2013, but his presence has already been felt around the community. From Memphis, he has spent this spring keeping track of the happenings around Holland Hall and he has frequently been in contact with faculty members about the goings-on around the campus. He has also visited Tulsa this spring and traveled to Texas to support our student-athletes during SPC competition. For those involved in the interview process, none of this is surprising. Mr. Culley presented the same thoughtful, informed approach when he first arrived back in October 2012. An experienced educator with useful perspectives from his numerous administrative positions, Mr. Culley has already displayed the ability to direct the Holland Hall community as we move forward. He is eager to learn more about the school’s past with an eye on progress in the future. In closing, it has been an honor serving as Interim Headmaster at Holland Hall this past year. The experience has confirmed my belief and understanding of this school as one filled with caring and passionate community members, all steadfast in support of the mission to provide the best educational experience possible for our students. I look forward to working with J.P., our faculty and many others and supporting the good work they do in the classroom and beyond. Regards,
Richard P. Hart
4
Holland Hall Happenings
Deans’ Night 2013: From left: Nancy McDuff with the University of Georgia, Brent Casey, Suzette Stille with the College of Charleston, Langston Ross, Ronda Cooper, Wes Waggoner with Southern Methodist University
First Grade Reptile Day: Connor Dickason ’24 and Wes Przybylowicz ’24
Second Grade Father's Day Coffee: Sara Sadeghi ’23
Dutch Weekend: Anna Schale ’16 and Hannah Scroggins ’16
Third Grade Land Run: David Karibian ’22 and Andrew Lind ’22
Western Day at the Upper School: Nicole Hood ’15, Cheraden Gavlik ’15 and Zoe Warden ’15
Third Grade Goes to the Food Bank: Tierney Shaw ’22
First Grade Ocean Play: Lucy Claire Shape ’24 and Elyse Clark ’24
Fourth Grade Goes to the Tulsa Zoo: Gracie LaFortune ’21, Lauren Robinowitz ’21, Ellie Herndon ’21, Avery Cardinal ’21 and Katie Ragland ’21
Cum Laude Society Juniors: (back row) Will Dudney ’14, Will Booker ’14, Julian Masullo ’14, Trevor Fisher ’14 (front row): Bailey Tulloch ’14, Emily Rao ’14, Micaela McGregor ’14, Emily Barton ’14
Cum Laude Society Seniors: (back row): Phillip White ’13, Josh Parrack ’13, John Dukes ’13, Matthew Callegari ’13 (front row): Soyoung Lee ’13, Tessa Nemec ’13, Allie Ramsey ’13, Caroline Holmes ’13
Primary School Head for the Day: Head of the Primary School Jo-An Vargo and Josie Ogle ’22
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
5
Holland Hall Class of 2013
Commencement Student Address by Phillip Thomas White ’13 First of all I would like to thank the faculty for giving me the opportunity to speak today. It is a privilege and an honor and I was very much surprised when I was informed of their decision. So thank you again. Now I will begin. Ok, show of hands... Who here has ever played the video game Halo? Who here has ever played the video game Super Smash Brothers? Who here has ever played a video game involving the character Mario? And lastly, who here has ever played the video games
6
Asteroids, Pac-Man or Pong? Video games are generational. As the technology to produce better graphics and gameplay become more accessible, so do different types of games. Now I'm not saying that the newer games are always better, sometimes you just can't beat a good game of Mario on an old Nintendo gaming system. But I'm not here to talk about video games and their history. Some would say that they are a waste of time. To you I would say that you are completely
correct. However, over the past 18 years I have invested too much time in these games, and I would like to think it was not all for loss. There have been proven studies that video games actually give aspiring surgeons an upper-hand, as using the controller gives them above average dexterity. But not all of us, class of 2013, want to be surgeons. As I was playing "The Lands," a video game, I began to think about the lost opportunities of the day and the wasted time. Somehow, after thinking, I actually ended up thanking video games. First, because
of the inspiration for this speech. But ultimately I thanked them for what they taught me. A majority of video games now let you customize your character before you even begin to play. You can personalize hair type, hair color, skin color, clothing, body type, muscle tone, you name it. But these attributes do not aid you in the actual game. They are merely cosmetic changes you can make to your character. The ability to accomplish something comes from the ability of the person playing. In life, we have to
make decisions of every type. We may choose to dye our hair or even shave it all off, but what remains is still, you. The changes you make to your physical body, the friends you have or the mistakes you make, do not change what is inside. There is always you. So don't worry about the way people perceive you, just be who you want to be. Something else video games have taught me is how to be a part of a team. I've found in my many years of playing that the best teammate is the one who can actually talk to you, whether they're sitting next to you or talking to you through a headset, and the one who puts the team's needs before their own. Communication is key to strategize coordinated assaults on the other team's position. The inability to actually talk to your ally severely decreases the chance for success. Now if you can talk to your teammate AND they are generous, well then you have all of the ingredients necessary for the destruction of the other team. A helpful ally can help fend off attacks and donate equipment for the benefit of your team.
or less instilled in us during our High School career. However, sometimes your work will not be the most glamorous. Sometimes you won’t even receive credit for your work. When these things happen, do not fret.
escape into a world where I was free from worldly problems and my only concern was whether or not I could beat the next boss.
of you may just want to see a picture of a pet.
But before we can have a healthy experience in college, we have to Make sure when you get acknowledge those who to your college of choice have helped us along the way. Let's not forget to thank our friends for lifting us up when we were down. Let's “The changes you make to your physical not forget to thank our teachers for the body, the friends you have, or the mistakes hard work they've done to give us the you make, do not change what is inside. best preparation and education for college. There is always you. So don't worry about And finally, let's not forget to thank our parents for giving us the way people perceive you, just be who a base, for giving us a jumping off point you want to be.” that has prepared us for success. There are no "respawns" in life, so my challenge Someone is always looking that you find a place where for you, class of 2013, is up to you and your work you can get away from the Holland Hall has given us to not take a single day for will not go unrewarded. school work, away from experience in working in a granted. We all saw how worry and far away from group. Every group project fast high school went by, Lastly, video games allowed any kind of stress. Whether I've ever been a part of I so starting today I urge you me to take a break from my that place is listening to a have always hoped that I to make every day more busy schedule. They were certain song, isolation from would have someone who meaningful than the last. there to allow me to take everyone and everything was willing to be what the And finally I'll leave you my mind away from it all. or simply calling someone, team needed them to be. with the words of the great Simple as that sounds, it's it doesn't matter. Just find Speaking was a part of the Jedi Master Yoda himself, true. I would run upstairs it. Some of you may find grade, so the ability to speak when I was younger when "Do or do not. There is no comfort in calling a parent, to an audience was more try." Thank you. I had a bad day so I could others a friend, and some
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
7
Holland Hall Class of 2013
Class of 2013 College Acceptances American University
Indiana University
Tulane University
Auburn University
John Brown University
Tulsa Community College
Austin College
Lesley University
Vanderbilt University
Baylor University
Long Island University at Brooklyn
Wake Forest University
Belmont University
Loyola Marymount University
Washington and Lee University
Bethany College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Washington University in St. Louis
Boston University
Merrimack College
Wittenberg University
Bradley University
Michigan State University
Yale University
California Institute of Technology
Middlebury College
University of Alabama
Case Western Reserve University
Millsaps College
University of Arkansas
Central College
Missouri State University
University of Central Arkansas
Colgate University
Missouri Valley College
University of Central Oklahoma
College of Charleston
Muhlenberg College
University of Colorado at Boulder
College of William and Mary
New York University
University of Connecticut
Colorado College
Northeastern State University
University of Denver
Colorado State University
Oberlin College
Columbia College
Oklahoma Christian University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cornell University
Oklahoma City University
Dartmouth College
Oklahoma State University
DePaul University
Princeton University
DePauw University
Reed College
Drake University
Rhodes College
Drury University
Rice University
Duke University
Rockhurst University
Eckerd College
Saint Louis University
Emerson College
Saint Mary's College of California
Emory University
Seton Hall University
Florida State University
Sewanee: University of the South
George Mason University
Skidmore College
George Washington University
Southern Methodist University
Georgia Technical Institute
Southern Nazarene University
Gettysburg College
Stanford University
Gonzaga University
Syracuse University
Hamilton College
Texas A&M University
Harding University
Texas Christian University
Hendrix College
Texas Tech University
High Point University
Trinity College
Hofstra University
Trinity University
8
University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Miami University of Michigan University of Missouri at Columbia University of Missouri at Kansas City University of New England University of New Mexico University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of Texas at San Antonio University of Tulsa
Bold indicates colleges of choice
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
9
by Markham Johnson photography Michele McManus
It's 11 a.m. on a Friday in May, and I'm sitting in the Dilly Deli with 14 seventh-grade students eating lunch and searching Sanborn Maps for the Tulsa of 1939. My students find railroads, produce markets and automobile repair shops. They follow Route 66 as it snakes its way through Downtown Tulsa, thanks to the inspiration of Cyrus Avery, “Father of Route 66,� and they trace the parallel black lines of railroad tracks that separate South Tulsa from North.
10
This is our last of five visits to the Blue Dome District as part of Downtown Tulsa Studies and my students are learning to pay closer attention to their world, to see not only the restaurants and shops springing up throughout this area, but to imagine what was here before, what remains from a time when their great grandparents might have worked downtown or shopped downtown or driven through on their way to the east coast or west.
or Chicago. They have watched the new Rib Crib being constructed, brick by recycled brick, on the corner of First and Detroit where once the Shannon Feed Company stabled the Clydesdales on a tour through Tulsa.
With Michael Sager, developer and principal of Blue Dome Properties LLC, students have explored the old Santa Fe Railroad Headquarters and heard stories of how the Blue Dome Building once housed the busiest gas station in the Southwest part of the United States, with an attendant who slept upstairs and then rushed down to aid late night customers following the Mother Road to California
On an earlier visit, Mary Beth Babcock, Oklahoma Magazine's "Oklahoman of the Year," has shared with students about opening Dwelling Spaces at a time when there was very little activity in this part of downtown and how for the past six years she has been committed to promoting Tulsa and Tulsa artists and performers. We have talked
with Vince LoVoi, publisher of This Land Press, about new technology companies and the future of Downtown Tulsa and the same day taken a hard hat tour of the new GreenArch development, which will connect the Blue Dome District to Greenwood, encouraging more people
to live downtown and providing new dining opportunities across the street from Oneok Field. The four other groups of seventh grade students spent time in Greenwood, the Brady District, the Mayo Hotel Area and the Business Core. These groups of students had their own unique opportunities to meet artists, business leaders and visionaries helping to revive Downtown Tulsa. Each group of seventh graders spent a day working with the research librarians at the Central Library and they spent many hours in their math classes recreating iconic buildings as three dimensional models using Google sketchup and later the 3-D laser printers at Fab Lab. From "Shot in Oklahoma" author John Wooley, our students learned how Bob Wills made Cain's Ballroom famous. They talked with Blake Ewing, city councilor, about his vision for a Downtown Tulsa, where they might one day live and play. From Reuben Gant, Lee Roy Chapman and members of the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, they heard about the tragedy that turned 35 blocks of Greenwood, including Black Wall Street, into ashes and dust. Now our students are in the process of creating their own Guidebook to Downtown Tulsa with stories about the 1935 baseball game in Tulsa where Satchel Paige's Kansas City Monarchs crushed Dizzy Dean's St. Louis Cardinals, about the automobile companies that conspired to kill the Tulsa trolleys, about how three young Holland Hall alumni saved Cain's Ballroom and why the Tulsa Race Riot was rarely mentioned in history books for 70 years. They are also completing photographic essays of historic buildings and, as the first school group to tour the new Woody Guthrie Center, they have learned about one of Oklahoma's most famous sons while also singing his songs in their classrooms. So if you want to know about the history of Downtown Tulsa, about the urban legends of Zeppelins docking at the NBT building or Caruso's ghost returning to Cain's for an encore performance of Rigoletto or you want to know more about the downtown revival that is currently underway, ask a Holland Hall seventh grader.
Guidebook to Downtown Tulsa From Holland hall Seventh Graders "By the year 1933, Bob Wills had joined a band called the Lightcrust Dough Boys run by a man named Pappy O’Daniel. Then, O’Daniel sued Bob Wills for quitting the band and going his own way. This ‘way’ eventually led him here to Oklahoma in 1939. Here he wrote his first hit, Take Me Back to Tulsa." — Claire Harbough "Named after the icon, Woody Guthrie and inspired by his song, This Land is Your Land, Guthrie Green’s motto is 'Land Made for You and Me'." — Julia Gross "Harry Sinclair didn’t just work in the oil industry. He also enjoyed baseball and horse racing. Although he wasn’t a baseball player, he owned a few minor league baseball franchises and founded the Federal League. He wasn’t a jockey either, but he owned race horses which raced at America’s major tracks. His best horse, Zev, had even won the Kentucky Derby. Zev also won the Belmont stakes and the Realization stakes." — Eve Adelson "Cars line the sidewalks of 4th Street. It is late at night and the line to the Orpheum is almost a block long. People filled the grand theater's seats, while the rich that were lucky enough to get the tickets enter their box seats along the walls. Ushers were hard at work helping people find seats, for the theater grew crowded quickly. The world premiere of the motion picture Tulsa was about to begin." — Luke Eustis "The Lindbergh baby kidnapping made many people in America think that they were not secure and Waite Phillips was one of those people. He decided a secret underground passageway away from the public, gangs and all possible threats would help to keep the rich millionaires safe. The Tulsa tunnels were actually originally used for freight and then they were transformed into a safe passageway for wealthy business leaders." — Gray Martucci
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
11
School News
Fourth Grade Living Museum Brings Learning to Life The 4th grade Living Museum is a culminating crosscurricular project where biographies come to life! The students choose a chapter book about an important individual that inspires or intrigues them. Each student reads their chapter book, chooses an alternative text featuring this individual and also finds an internet site or multimedia source to finish up their note-taking and research portion of the project. The students then create a speech as if they were the individual that they studied, dress up as this person, and “come to life” during the Living Museum.
Sixth Grader Wins Geography Bee Congratulations to sixth grader Johnny LaFortune, Holland Hall school champion for the National Geographic Bee. National Geographic is in its 25th year of sponsoring the bee, which allows students in fourth through eighth grades to compete against one another answering questions about world and U.S. geography. Johnny’s winning performance allowed him the chance to compete at the Oklahoma state bee and to win an all-expensespaid trip to Washington, DC, to compete in the national bee against all the state winners.
12
Students Stay Current in Microbes and Disease Course Holland Hall Upper School students in Microbes and Disease class learned this spring how to stay current in science and blog about it. Students took the time to read through news in the field of science and specifically, microbiology. After reading a scientific press release, students not only wrote about the article, but they also posed a question for discussion and then posted to the course blog to share with their class and beyond. The blog is full of interesting student entries covering topics such as bone-breaking mosquitoes, the black plague and childhood obesity. Conversations were encouraged as peers, as well as teacher Dr. Keri Shingleton, interacted on the blog by leaving comments and feedback.
School News Holland Hall Senior Earns Prestigious Title of Presidential Scholar Holland Hall senior Sarah Keglovits earned the prestigious title of Presidential Scholar from the U.S. Department of Education. Sarah was one of only two U.S. Presidential Scholars from Oklahoma this year, among 141 winners across the country. Sarah, a Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC) J. Scholar at the University of Tulsa, was also a semifinalist for the 2013 Intel Science Talent Search. This recognition is for her research paper Efficient Synthesis of Glycopeptides in Water, a submission based on her research experience at the Chalker Research Group Lab at the University of Tulsa.
From left: Richard Hart, Interim Headmaster, Sarah Keglovits, Greg Jones, AXA Qualified Plan Specialist and Page Jones, MS Teaching Assistant
Holland Hall Junior Receives Recognition for Ceramic Artwork Holland Hall student Micaela McGregor received first place for her ceramic vase "The Black Mamba" (left) in the 3-D category, 11th-12th grade division at Tulsa's Mayfest Youth Art Gallery. Additionally, Micaela's ceramic piece "Black Beauty" (right) was selected by the National K12 Ceramic Exhibition Foundation to be displayed in the 2013 National Exhibition.
Sarah was also named a semifinalist for the 2012 Siemens Competition, the only semifinalist from Oklahoma. She also earned $10,000 as the Oklahoma state winner of the 2013 AXA Achievement Scholarship in association with U.S. News & World Report. Sarah was one of 52 students – one from each state, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico – that have been awarded scholarships of $10,000.
Third Graders Sing at the Tulsa Oilers Game Holland Hall third graders showed their love and support for their country, their school and the Tulsa Oilers hockey team by wearing Holland Hall spirit wear and singing the National Anthem at a Tulsa Oilers game. Great job to the students and to Holland Hall faculty music teacher, Lori Swisher!
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
13
School News
Balloon Launch — A Holland Hall Tradition A Holland Hall tradition for more than 25 years, sixth grade students take their exploration into the world of density and buoyancy to another level when they launch their nine foot hot air balloons during an early morning balloon festival for students and Holland Hall families. Each team spends several weeks designing and building these marvelous creations out of only tissue paper and glue for this annual event.
Holland Hall Hosts Author Hannibal Johnson and Upper School Students Join Booker T. Washington for The Race Riot Suite Performance On Friday, February 8, students from Holland Hall joined students from Booker T. Washington for a performance of The Race Riot Suite, by Tulsa’s own Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey (JFJO). Following the performance by JFJO, students engaged in open dialogue about the topics they had been studying at their respective schools regarding this unique time in Tulsa history. For this particular collaboration, Holland Hall students had been reading Black Wall Street, by noted Tulsa author and attorney, Hannibal B. Johnson. Mr. Johnson came to the Holland Hall campus and spoke to the entire Upper School on Wednesday, February 7. The opportunity for these two schools to partner for this performance was provided by the Harwelden Institute for Arts in Education.
14
School News
Class of 2013 "Lifers" Visit First Grade Seniors who entered Holland Hall in preschool, kindergarten or first grade are referred to as "Lifers". This year, 27 Lifers, comprising 38 percent of the senior class, took time to visit with first graders in the Primary School and discuss some of their favorite memories from that year.
Holland Hall Observes World Malaria Day Holland Hall observed World Malaria Day on April 25 by hosting guests Dr. Peter McElroy from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Holland Hall alumni Christopher Gates ’05, founder of the Janada Batchelor Foundation for Children. Middle School students also had the opportunity to videoconference through the Face to Faith program with other students from Oklahoma, California, Virginia, United Kingdom and Mexico. Also participating in the videoconference was guest speaker Saleemah Abdul-Ghafr, director of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance. Holland Hall students in the Primary, Middle and Upper Schools have been working together for several weeks leading up to World Malaria Day, learning about malaria and its causes and prevention. Students have raised $1,000 to donate to Malaria No More to purchase nets.
Fifth Graders Win at Annual Engineering Challenge Holland Hall fifth graders showed off their engineering skills during the Holland Hall competition on February 27. Local winners advanced to the Tulsa Engineering Challenge at Tulsa Technology Center on March 8. At the one-day event, 1,250 students representing 49 schools competed in events showcasing various projects from ping pong ball launchers to rubber band powered cars. See Holland Hall's results below: ACADEMIC OLYMPIAD First Place: Baylor Norris PAPER AIRPLANE - DISTANCE FLOWN First Place: Henry Berry (64' 1") Second Place: Joseph Hall (61' 8") Third Place: Owen Ostroski (56' 11") PAPER AIRPLANE - DURATION OF FLIGHT Third Place Tie: Garrett Yalch (5.56 seconds) Third Place Tie: Andrew Dunaway (5.56 seconds) RUBBER BAND POWERED VEHICLE First Place: Will Martucci & Alex Booker (82' 10") Second Place: Bella Bieligk & Rachel Atwood (74' 8") WACKY WONDER WORKS First Place: Abie Koch & Ria Trehan Second Place: Mark Massey, Darcy Edwards & Caleb Baird
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
15
BONJOUR When Holland Hall 6th graders choose to study the French language, few of
them realize that they are embarking on a cultural journey that will help them navigate with more self-knowledge and self-confidence in an increasingly global world.
16
A
fter three years of rigorous and intense French language and cultural studies within a partial immersion classroom setting, 8th grade Holland Hall French students have an incredible opportunity to practice their language skills and to experience French culture first-hand through an exchange program with Tulsa’s sister city of Amiens, France. A select group of eighth graders undergo a ‘total’ immersion experience as they live with French host families and attend Sainte-Famille, a private school, in northern France.
Discovering Food through French Family Traditions By Aaron Gonders
During my two-week immersion experience in Amiens, France, I experienced many interesting traditions that made me realize how much pride the French have for their food. On the weekends, my host father would go to a boulangerie or bakery and buy the freshest bread. This is something I always looked forward to on the weekends, because there would be fresh bread waiting for me to eat in the morning. The first time I was told that Pierre’s dad did this every weekend, his mom said that he endures the ‘howling cold winds and cold rain that plague northern France in order to bring food to the family.’ Hearing this made me laugh, and I will never forget it. Another tradition that was introduced to me was pie on Sundays. In America, we normally eat pies as celebrations of some sort, but in France eating pie virtually every Sunday is a tradition among the masses. I ate apple and pear pies and both were amazing, mainly due to their Frenchiness and the sheer quality and care that was taken in making the pies. My overall experience in France was great. The people I met were nice, the food was good and the countryside was astonishing in its beauty along with the lush, green rolling hills and occasional small farming village on the side of the road. If some people are thinking of going to France in the near future, I heavily recommend going ASAP!
OUR!
How Catholic Are You? By Kat Stewart
When I first started the French Exchange and was matched with Constance Sence, I learned that she was Catholic. I thought she would be really religious, because she was wearing her Catholic robes in the picture she sent with her introductory letters. I'm not religious at all and I was concerned I might have to go to mass every week. Then, when I arrived in Amiens, France, they asked me if I was Catholic. I responded no, because I'm not. They assumed I was non-religious and I was prepared for them to not like me. When it didn't seem like they cared, I was confused. Most people that find out that I am not religious are often not happy about it, sometimes even mean to me. Then the Sence family took us to these clubs the second weekend I was there. We couldn't get in because of age restrictions; you had to be eighteen and older because
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
17
they serve alcohol, and eighteen is the drinking age in France. I never thought that they would be willing to do that because they were Catholic.
is done by kids, young adults, and grown ups and is part of their culture. La bise for Americans is a hug or a handshake. You may find yourself asking yourself why the French do
“When you go anywhere new, being open to new and different traditions is key.” Kat Stewart ’17 Middle School Student
My assumption was that many Catholics are somewhat conservative. Then on that Sunday, Monsieur Sence explained that they only go to church once a year. Being a French Catholic is a lot different from being an American Catholic. I had a much less conservative experience than I thought I would have. When you go anywhere new, being open to new and different traditions is key. Stereotyping does not get you that far. There is not a mime on every street corner in Paris.
La Bise By Sierra Dale La bise in English means kiss and is part of everyday French life. La bise is when you kiss a person on the cheek two or three times to say, “Hello.” La bise can be done by friends and relatives and by two people meeting for the first time through a mutual friend. La bise 18
la bise. They do la bise to show appreciation for the other person’s presence. You might see your friend and give them a hug, but in France a hug can mean more than a bise as hugs are somewhat uncommon to do. The French find a hug too intimate and a bise as only touching cheeks and nothing else. When we first arrived in France and we met our French families at the Paris airport, I instinctively tried to give my host mom a hug. The hug somehow morphed into a bise, and it was a little shocking. It was odd at first to do la bise, but as I became more part of the French culture, it became more and more natural. After only a short time in France, when I walked up to someone, I didn’t think about it, I just did la bise.
Old and New By Hannah Whitaker
When I was in France, I experienced an interesting mix of old and new.
In comparison to France, the United States is a very young country, only about 200 years old. You could tell by the old architecture and the stonepaved streets that France is ancient. There are beautiful old cathedrals and museums. Next to the old were new stores and restaurants. This was a little strange for me, seeing the old and new buildings mixed together. In the United States, everything is relatively new, and most of the old buildings have been destroyed. In France, the old architecture is preserved and the new buildings are mixed in with the older buildings. This mix of old and new made for a very unique experience.
Is Smaller Better? By Chandler Doudican
In France, I noticed that many things were smaller and more efficient. The house that I lived in was a lot smaller than my house in Tulsa. The rooms on the first floor were smaller than the arms length apart of an average American eighth grader. The stairs to get from one story to next was a spiral staircase; it was uncomfortable to go up, but it didn’t take up a lot of room. The bedroom I stayed in felt small for me, but I managed. Outside the house was different too. The architecture of all the buildings was different; the houses were smaller and some were made with stone. The cars were also smaller. There were no pickup trucks or large SUVs. My French family’s car had crank windows and was a lot smaller than cars in the U.S. My French family’s car was a minivan, and it was as big as a small SUV, but
it could hold more people than a small American SUV. Although it took some getting used to, I started to appreciate the efficient nature of living smaller.
Hands or Fork? By Maddie Murphy
Something as simple as eating with a fork or hands requires forethought when navigating one’s way in a new culture. A French Exchange alumni said that when she was in France, she ate her chicken leg with her hands and her French family stared at her. So she proceeded to eat the rest of her chicken leg with a knife and fork. My French host family had ‘selfserve’ dinners where we serve ourselves experiencing a new culture and a different way of living, there are many things that, in my opinion, are better in America. Cars, houses, schools and bathrooms (bathrooms are a big one) are just a few of the many things that seem to be easier to navigate in America. Since I have returned, I have a newfound appreciation for the small and big things that most people take for granted everyday. from platters with food on them. One evening, we were having chicken legs, peas and potatoes. Instead of using my hands to pick up a piece of chicken, I started to use my fork to pick up my chicken. Then my correspondent Sandra, said, “Non, avec tes mains,” which means ‘No, with your hands.’ Another time, Sandra and I were going ice-skating with some friends, and we needed to hurry to eat dinner. We had fried eggs and fries. I ate my eggs with a fork, but I ate my fries with my hands. Then I noticed that Sandra was eating her fries with a fork, and then I started to eat my fries with a fork. I tried my best to adapt to what my French family did.
America is #1 By George Carrington During my two weeks in France, I came to realize how great America is and
Language Barriers By Grant Gebetsberger
During my time with my French family, there were many times when I spoke fluently with ease when it came to everyday subjects like asking where the bathroom was, telling them what I usually ate for breakfast and what time I get up for school. Then came dinner conversations. Somehow, a conversation about gun control in the United States vs. France and healthcare in the United States
“The French Exchange ... became an experience in which I grew as a person.” Grant Gebetsberger ’17 Middle School Student
how good we have it in our schools, homes and cities. Although I enjoyed
vs. France came about. This humbled me. In the U.S., my thoughts and my strongly held opinions flow seamlessly from my head to my mouth for all to hear. Then suddenly I was in France with all these complete thoughts swirling about in my head, struggling to come to fruition with words and sentences in a foreign language. Then, another revelation hit
me. I’ve been learning French for three years, and I have fluent grandparents who help me hone my skills, yet I was having difficulty expounding my thoughts. Now, if this is the case for me, someone with training, what must it be like to be dropped in a foreign country left to your own devices, with the only hope of work and a better life? The French Exchange, which was supposed to be a way to get away from the grind of Les Etats-Unis, became an experience in which I grew as a person. I gained newfound empathy for immigrants and was humbled by the fact that I could not express some of the thoughts that I have in my mother tongue. As the above stories demonstrate, Holland Hall French Exchange students are forced to come out of their comfort zones and to focus their attention and all their senses to adapt to a new language and a new culture. This is why traveling to a foreign country affords such great learning opportunities; students have to listen ‘attentively’ and ‘empathetically’ in order to communicate and then to understand the nuances of meaning within a cultural context. Most of Holland Hall’s eighth grade French exchange students can confidently navigate in a multi-cultural setting and proficiently communicate with approximately 250 million Francophones across the globe. Shortly after the French exchange students arrive back to the U.S., they welcome their French correspondents to the Holland Hall community and proudly share their American way of life and serve as a bridge between French and American cultures. By Hye-Young Kim-Garnier Middle School French Teacher & French Exchange Coordinator
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
19
Spotlight Phil Sweeney, Holland Hall Upper School Teacher What led you to become a teacher? I sort of backed into teaching. I've always been an avid reader in history and literature and, as a History major at college, I realized that I might eventually have a career based on these interests, so I did some extra work to get a California teaching credential. However, at the time my professional goal was to establish myself as a freelance writer/columnist/journalist; so for a year, I used my teaching credential as a substitute teacher in Los Angeles while I worked at a monthly magazine and also as the Sports Information Director at a college. When I was offered a History teaching job at a local private school, I took it because I was about to be married and a "real job" was looking better and better. I worked at that school for 16 years before coming to Holland Hall. Tell us what you enjoy the most about teaching the American Studies course in the Upper School? The American Studies course is based on a seminar format and open-ended questions, so there is a constant variety in the students' responses to the material and questions. American society is what we are trying to figure out and everyone already knows a lot about it or has forms of awareness, so the students are already primed toward exciting and entertaining discussions. Our students know they are to generate their own ideas about what it means to be an American, so the relevance of our academic sources is more readily seen here than in more traditional courses where the content material is the centerpiece. What are the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher at Holland Hall? Two things jump out at me: Firstly, I'm always grateful for 20
the freedom to develop the best curriculum rather than teach core requirements that might have been developed by non-educators. Secondly, the size of our school encourages a mixture of participation in all the disciplines and in four grade-levels at the Upper School. We all get to see the students grow, perform in amazingly various ways, and display widely different aspects of their personalities. Also, as a coach I can get to know students in a way that's particularly different from what the classroom offers. How would your students describe your teaching style? I have a lot of enthusiasm for the material and I care about the inquiry process and the kids, so I've heard that trans-
How has Holland Hall impacted you personally or professionally? Before coming to Holland Hall in 1996, I taught happily for 16 years at a well-regarded independent school in Los Angeles where a traditional lecture-based approach to
“... the size of our school encourages a mixture of participation in all the disciplines and in four grade-levels at the Upper School. We all get to see the students grow, perform in amazingly various ways, and display widely different aspects of their personalities.�
lated as a "passionate" style of teaching. In the past 15 years, I've moved away from dry lectures and have sought material and methods that have relevance to the students. Since I'm willing to allow the discussion to proceed where it will, some might call that a "shotgun" style that spreads the inquiry wider, rather than follow a pre-set straight line. I think an observer would notice that a sense humor is required in my class.
an AP style curriculum was the norm. My colleagues at Holland Hall have helped me appreciate the benefit of student-centered, inquiry-based learning and the concept of multiple intelligences. Also, by 1996, I thought I was finished with coaching track and crosscountry and it became a central part of my life. But the greatest gift was being able to work at my sons' school (Jake '07 and Luke '09) and share this key part of their lives.
Can you share with us a funny story/moment from your years of teaching? Are you kidding? That might be the toughest question I've seen this year! Every single day brings its own basket of chuckles, such as when Payton Calhoun '14 and Taylor Neill '14 came to my office on a beautiful sunny day this spring with the argument that if our class didn't go fly kites, we would unlearn everything that we had just decided about the writings of Henry David Thoreau. We flew kites that day. What advice would you share with current students who wish to become a teacher? Teaching has to be something you really like to do. The satisfaction and personal fulfillment it provides represents a large percentage of the actual payment you receive. In short, you won't get rich but it might make you feel great. As an alumni parent, what would you say to a prospective family inquiring at HH? I'd encourage prospective families to understand that Holland Hall will help their kids to become self-starters, independent thinkers and responsible for themselves. I know that "lifelong learning" is used a lot, but it applies here. Colleges and Universities understand this about our school - it's our brand.
Secondary Science Education: Content or Process? By Karen Harris & Dr. Keri Shingleton
T
here is currently a great deal of discussion about state standards for science education. In addition to the wellpublicized Common Core, the National Research Council recently published the final draft of the Next Generation Science Standards, which attempts to address two potentially conflicting approaches to teaching science. Is it appropriate to push a content-based curriculum, as is echoed in tests such as SATII, AP and state standards tests, or, because science is a rapidly changing discipline, is it better to emphasize the process of doing science? Do both approaches have merit in today’s education? The Holland Hall Science Department has always seen merit in seeking a balance of content and process. We believe that a student’s ability to do science depends on the scientific literacy that results from a solid base of broad core content. However, a love of science is also necessary and nurturing that love in students requires teaching with enthusiasm, passion, creativity and originality, which are qualities not promoted by one set curriculum or by teaching to a test. With freedom to select content, we seek relevancy to current and future scientific issues and we can foster understanding of concepts, not memorization. For example, we do not ask students to memorize all details of the grasshopper digestive system. Instead, they learn the basic principle of surface area to volume ratio, which they can utilize to understand why both plant roots and small intestines have microscopic projections that increase surface area for absorption of nutrients. They can then apply the same concept to hypothesize why the loss of those projections might be harmful to an organism, or how damage to alveoli in the lungs from emphysema or damage to kidney nephrons
from diabetes may impact health. Similarly, chemistry students are not asked to memorize the periodic table. Instead, by learning the patterns of organization within the table they can predict the behavior of atoms. Students can become skilled enough in stoichiometry to calculate the ratio of joules of energy produced to moles of carbon dioxide produced per mole of fossil fuel burned so they have the tools they need to debate clean energy questions. After attaining sufficient scientific literacy, Holland Hall students may explore the scientific process more fully in a wide range of inquiry-based advanced courses in physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and geology. Knowledge across scientific disciplines is often used in inquiry curriculum. For example, students use previous instruction in sound wave physics to interpret acoustic communication data in the animal behavior course. Similarly, students in microbes and disease can learn gram staining because they understand from chemistry why dye molecules are trapped or not due to variations in the chemical makeup of bacterial cell walls. These types of rich inquiry-based experiences dominate the advanced, process-driven science courses and many students graduate with six or more total years of science. Holland Hall seeks to empower students with both the knowledge and the inquiry skills that will allow them to explore their own questions through the scientific process. Equipping our students with both meets our mission as an independent, college preparatory school by preparing students for a rigorous academic experience in college while inspiring them to continually ask questions and seek answers about the world around them.
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
21
Advancement News Schureman Circle: Evening of the Arts Donor Recognition Event More than 280 members of the Schureman Circle Giving Society were honored at a party held in the Branch Theatre of the Walter Arts Center on April 11, 2013. The evening included musical performances from all choral groups, band and strings performances, vignettes from the Middle School play and 3-D ceramic art from all divisions. Schureman Circle members are those dedicated parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the school who give $1,000 or more in a fiscal year to the Holland Hall Annual Fund. Interim Director of Institutional Advancement Charlie Brown welcomed guests and thanked them for their generous support. Amy Whitaker, Director of Annual Giving, recognized 2012-13 Annual Fund volunteers Stephanie Royce, Sara Fox, Jennifer Wise, Darin Alred ’84, Beth Goddard ’86, Lisa Cameron, Tom and Sally Hughes, David and Lynda Tippeconnic, Weston Vrooman ’13 and Caroline Holmes ’13.
1
2
4
3
5
6
1. Mark and Karen Buffington 2. Alvina Hart, Alex and Karen Goldberg 3. Upper School Jazz Band performs “Chameleon” 4. Jill Smith, Deana Johnson, Steve Smith and Kathleen Harris 5. Monte and Terri Harrison 6. Third Grade Choir performs "Rhythmische Ubung #40"
WHY I
GIVE
Sally & Tom Hughes — Holland Hall Annual Fund Grandparent Co-Chairs “Learning to love to learn is the most important accomplishment of the Primary School student. This was the philosophy of Beth Lamb, Head of the Primary School during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Tom and I have thought of that frequently when on the campus of Holland Hall during all the decades between then and now. If being a student at Holland Hall can instill that passion of discovery, experiment, appreciation of others’ work, respect, fair play, history and the satisfaction of doing one’s personal best, then truly the student will have “loved to learn”. If along the way, the student has lots of fun while meeting the challenges of an excellent education, then the passion to learn will carry throughout life. We feel that indeed the opportunity for this accomplishment is at Holland Hall. This is our reason for continuing to be supporters of the Holland Hall Fund.”
Annual Fund Grade Challenge Winners The eighth grade class won the Grade Challenge this year by securing 91% parent participation. The students were rewarded a free dress day on Monday, May 20 and enjoyed creating ice cream sundaes and floats with their parents.
22
Holland Board of Visitors
Hall BOARD of VISITORS
Second Gathering for Members of Board of Visitors Group Holland Hall welcomed members of the 2013 Board of Visitors group on Friday, April 19. The Board of Visitors is an advisory board of 38 distinguished alumni and community leaders throughout the country who support the school’s mission with their diverse perspectives, experiences and networks. The group is charged with engaging in macro-level discussions to further the mission of the school regarding its curriculum, facilities and operations. The term limit is three years with the option to renew for an additional three years. The group is co-chaired by Ken Busby ’85, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa and Margie Warren ’82. Members in attendance this year included Robin Flint Ballenger ’63, Howard G. Barnett, Jr., William A. Bass, III ’69, John L. Brechin, III ’77, Kenneth D. Busby ’85, Cason Carter ’96, Gerard Clancy, Timothy W. Clark ’83, Reuben Gant, Hank Harbaugh, Steve C. Herrin ’75, Thomas J. Hughes, Roy S. Johnson ’74, Stephen Mackin, Kent “Bo” Rainey ’83, Rod L. Reppe, Jr. ’80, Thomas Sharpe, Steadman Upham and Margie Harned Warren ’82. Also in attendance were guests Nancy Harbaugh and Victoria Bartlett.
1
4
5 2
The Board of Visitors group joined with members of the Board of Trustees for a full-day program that included morning meeting in the Upper School commons, a panel discussion on “The Future of Public and Private Education” with the presidents of the University of Tulsa, University of Oklahoma-Tulsa and Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, a discussion with incoming Head of School, J.P. Culley, a review of the campus master plan and proposed Dining and Wellness Center (presented by architect, Cara Shimkus Hall ’84) and conversations with students from each division. Break-out discussions covered the following four topics: 1. Learning, Experiential Learning, Math/Science/Technology, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving & AP Courses
6
2. Greater Tulsa Community Inclusion, Diversity, Financial Aid & Attracting Tulsa’s Brightest 3. Public Relations, Marketing, Enrollment, Alumni Relations & College Counseling 4. Funding, Annual Fund, Financial Affairs, Alumni Giving & Stewardship
3 7
1. J.P. Culley, Roger Collins and Steadman Upham 2. President of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Gerard Clancy, President of the University of Tulsa Steadman Upham and President of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Howard Barnett 3. Board of Visitors Co-Chairs Ken Busby ’85 and Margie Warren ’82. 4. Holland Hall Board Chair Keith Goddard ’87 5. Thomas Sharpe and Reuben Gant 6. Roy Johnson '74 7. Steve Mackin and Cason Carter ’96
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
23
Holland Hall Book Fair: A Tulsa Favorite! The 53rd Holland Hall Book Fair kicked off with more than 200 people attending the Preview Party on February 22 and thousands of people from all over the Tulsa region attending the annual community event on February 23. Special thanks to Book Fair Chair Rebecca Parrack, the committee and the many volunteers for their hard work and dedication. With the support of our alumni, parents, students, faculty, grandparents and friends, the event raised nearly $53,000 for the school.
24
Advancement News
Thank You To Our Annual Fund Volunteers Parent Co-Chairs Stephanie Royce, Sara Fox, Jennifer Wise Alumni Chair Darin Alred ’84 Grandparent Chairs Sally & Tom Hughes David & Lynda Tippeconnic Parent of Alumni Chair Lisa Cameron Schureman Circle Chair Beth Lieser Goddard ’86
Annual Fund 2013 Participation Percentages Trustees:................................................100% Alumni Association Board.................100% Faculty & Staff:......................................97% Parents:...................................................74% Grandparents:........................................15% Alumni:...................................................11% From left: Director of Alumni Relations Christy Utter '92, President of the Alumni Association Clint Brumble '93, Class of 2013 President Phillip White '13 and Director of Annual Giving Amy Whitaker
Parents of Alumni:...............................12%
2013 Senior Class Donation to Financial Aid for Annual Fund The Class of 2013 donated their class funds to financial aid for the 2013 annual fund. Prior unused class funds were also included in the generous donation.
Class of 2013 $2,183.50 Class of 2012 $1,923.41 Class of 2011 $2,532.53 Class of 2010 $28.61 ______________________ Total $6,668.05
2012-2013 Annual Fund
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
25
Holland Hall 2013 Auction - Oklahoma Routes On April 27, more than 240 guests celebrated Oklahoma scenery, music, icons and cuisine at the Holland Hall Dinner and Live Auction held at the Primary School. Guests enjoyed a new text-to-bid feature as they bid on exciting silent auction items. Guests also savored a delicious three-course menu of locally sourced food and drinks catered by Chef Seth Smith of Taste Catering. Guests tapped their feet to the down home sounds of Bruner and Eicher and danced the night away to the music of Admiral Twin. Auction items included spending an entire week at the U.S. Open and caddying for Bo Van Pelt and artwork from acclaimed artists P.S. Gordon and Tyler Ramsey ’92. The event netted more than $150,000 with more than $30,000 raised in patron packages. Over the last 27 years the Holland Hall Auction has played an important role in bringing the community together while raising funds for the school. The Holland Hall 2013 Auction proceeds will go to support the school’s operating budget. Special thanks to Auction Co-Chairs Monica White and Lesley Bumgarner, the Auction patrons, committee and volunteers for their generosity, creativity and hard work in bringing together a memorable evening.
26
Holland Hall
GOLF
TOURNAMENT MAY 13, 2013
THE GOLF CLUB OF OKLAHOMA
4 PLAYER SCRAMBLE FORMAT
The 2013 Holland Hall Golf Tournament was held at The Golf Club of Oklahoma on Monday, May 13. One hundred forty-two golfers consisting of alumni, parents and friends of Holland Hall attended this spring event, raising more than $15,000 benefiting the school’s overall operating budget. The team of Dane Tucker, Sanford Roberds ’93, Steve Mackin and Travis Short won the 2013 Championship by shooting 57 under par.
John Brechin ’77, Julie Yeabower ’77, Steve Herrin ’75 and Craig Raguse ’75
Runner-up was the team of Bill Bunting, Jerry Ostroski, Mark Redmon and Tim Wilson shooting 58 under par. Thank you to all our corporate sponsors who made this event possible.
Ryan Nowlin ’93, Romney McGuire ’94, Christy Utter ’92 and Jeff Utter ’92
Sanford Roberds ’93, Travis Short, Steve Mackin and Dane Tucker
&
Gifts In kind
Hole Sponsors
Par Sponsors
Thank you to these Corporate Sponsors
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
27
Jared P. Culley Holland Hall's New head of school J.P. Culley begins July 1, 2013 “Good teachers know when to coach — how to provide feedback and make decisions in the midst of authentic work. They also know when to tell or when to follow.”
28
Jared P. Culley Please share with us your journey from being a first-year teacher and coach to becoming the associate head of school and AP chemistry teacher at St. George’s. That journey really began when I was 16-years-old. I started teaching classes at my high school to students who had failed the math portion of the state required standardized test. About 25 students would meet with me during homeroom block. I would have them work a few problems to discover what they needed to learn. From there, I would teach the math skills they needed when similar problems arose on the test. Many of the students were older than me, which made teaching a bit odd at the time. But I found ways to connect what they needed to know with what they already knew. So was born my love for learning how people learn and connecting with others around the thrill of discovering something new about themselves. It was really less about the math and more about building confidence in them. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a teacher.
a lot of experience really fast. I ran the lab for three years while coaching all kinds of sports. It was a crucible experience for me because these master elementary school teachers would bring their students to my discovery lab, then remain to assist as an extra set of hands. I had to be on my game every day to gain their respect. I asked lots of questions of them, an opportunity most new teachers don’t get because of how isolating teaching can be, and learned more about teaching and learning in those three years than, I am sure, most are able. Because I had no friends or family in the Memphis area, I also was able to completely dedicate myself to the school. I often arrived at six in the morning and would remain, after practices, until late in the evening. (On a few occasions, parents brought dinner to school because I would get so engaged with something I was preparing that I would forget to eat.) We did all kinds of crazy, fun things in that lab. It was an absolute joy for me. I also discovered that I had the mettle to be a teacher. Even to this day, most people don’t realize how hard the work is.
I studied biology in college and, purely by luck, happened upon the teaching opportunity at a small Episcopal elementary school in Germantown, Tennessee just outside of Memphis. St. George’s “As educators, needed a Math and we have a moral Science Coordinator obligation to provide to teach labs to students the best educational in grades one through experience possible to six once a week. I honour students.” estly interviewed simply for the experience, thinking I wanted to teach at the middle or upper school level. What I found at St. George’s was a tacit commitment to how powerful having the right attitude can influence a student’s academic, as well as social and emotional learning. Too, the opportunity to completely immerse myself in discovering the differences between how a first grader and sixth grader learned in such a short period of time called to me. I had the ultimate goal of eventually teaching grades one through twelve in my career, so this would be a way for me to get
For years, St. George’s families had been asking the school to develop a middle and upper school program, something that was hinted to me might happen when I accepted the position. During my third year, our Head of School asked me if I would write a preliminary curriculum for the middle and upper school — to open two years later. I visited some of the best independent schools throughout the southeast and read copiously on the nature of schooling, including what the best colleges and universities look for in their applicants. We began the building process and the expansion beyond grade six. Around the same time, a group of anonymous donors approached the school and asked that we consider building another elementary campus that would serve students who otherwise could not afford such a high quality independent school education. We accepted that challenge and what came to be known as the Memphis campus was born. It served predominately African-American and Latino students, many of whom will be first generation college students. I signed on to be the first seventh grade math and science teacher, including teaching a little history. I also coached football, robotics and baseball, activities I would continue to help carry for several years. That class of seventh graders also began connecting with students at the Memphis
Quick Facts: Favorite color: Sewanee purple Favorite musical artists: Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Rolling Stones and Dave Brubeck Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere backpacking is allowed Random personal fact: I have no idea if this is still the case, but at one point my college baseball coach told me that I had set the NCAA record for the most pitches in a single game with 174. Sounds like quite the accomplishment, I know, but you should know we lost the game. Favorite movie: Contemporary - Invictus with Morgan Freeman. Classic - Inherit the Wind with Spencer Tracy Favorite quote: “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” Henry David Thoreau
campus — all three-year-olds that first year. The important themes of meaningful contribution and connections across boundaries became tantamount to what I believed as an educator. Starting a new program from scratch thrilled me. Now married to an extraordinarily understanding and patient educator, I still arrived early and left late so we could give the kids the best experience possible. The future of the school depended on that seventh grade year. The team I was on took that very seriously but ensured that we were not so uptight that the creativity and fun that was so embedded in the ethos of the school was choked out. The following year, the middle and upper school campus opened and the Memphis campus added a new grade. I taught various science courses in grades six through nine and served as the Science Department Coordinator (later Chair). Each year we added a grade through our first graduating class. By the time our first class graduated in 2006, I had taught every grade level, aside from kindergarten, attained a Master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University and was serving as the Director of Academic Studies while
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
29
Jared P. Culley still teaching several sections. As the student population grew — that first graduating class had 29 students while the Class of 2012 had 103 — more opportunities to serve arose. We also added AP courses, which allowed me to teach AP Chemistry for the first time. Over the subsequent years, I served as Upper School Director and Academic Dean, Interim Middle School Director while mentoring the new, permanent Middle School Director and finally as Associate Head of School. The administrative life, unfortunately, took me away from coaching until this year. But I still enjoyed serving as the Voice of the Gryphons for Friday night home football games. The challenge of starting new divisions and new positions, none of which existed before I was asked to serve in those capacities, provided some rare professional experiences. That said, our work to diversify the student body, socioeconomically, racially, religiously and otherwise, kept me at St. George’s for so long. As educators, we have a moral obligation to provide the best educational experience possible to our students. One devoid of varying perspectives and life experiences, simply put, fails to meet that goal. What is your educational philosophy? Study, observations of master teachers and reflections on my experiences as a student, and with students, ranging in age from five to nineteen revealed a link between the art of teaching and the engineering, so to speak, of effective learning experiences. My philosophy of education derives from my experience as a high school student in a deeply diverse public school in Texas, from a premier liberal arts education in the Episcopal tradition and from leading backcountry camping trips over the years with kids. All of these experiences engendered the principles enumerated below. They formulate the core of my philosophy. Good teaching (and a good venture into the woods) begins with the end in mind. Hazy targets usually result in interesting tromps through the woods, often — but not always — with little educative value. Careful planning of the purpose behind each experience ensures meaningful connections will likely abound. Each learning challenge genuinely means something to the participants, even when conflict abounds. We are makers of meaning and each person 30
must have a tacit relationship to the issue because of its potential to foster growth. Often, participants encourage one another and respectfully challenge each other’s ideas with critical questions. In this sense, learning becomes social. There is no greater lesson for those experiencing different cultures and perspectives. Each learning experience designates individuals to provide meaningful and constructive feedback to the participants. Every prompt to learn more and improve validates the importance of the experience. Good collaboration often surfaces resulting in change agents or a better sense of how to plan for the next day’s hike.
“The evidence for good teaching, and for good schools, is in the enduring learning that students carry with them years later.”
Students quickly engage in a real challenge, often with little initial direct instruction. This allows each participant to be coached while constructing a solution on her own, as well as in the company of others. Solutions reveal differing values about autonomy, process and product. Good teachers know when to coach — how to provide feedback and make decisions in the midst of authentic work. They also know when to tell or when to follow. Structured time allows moments — personal and communal — for reflection and practice. Individuals deconstruct their understanding of themselves, their ideas, their decisions and their mental models of others through careful introspection, openness, guidance and trial and error. Understanding is the focus. Esoteric notions are removed to emphasize important ideas that provide intellectual and moral frameworks for deeper thinking. Each learning experience builds on previous ideas with the goal being that each participant seeks more knowledge or becomes an
independent agent of change upon returning to school. Good teachers work hard and love kids. Long days — often lasting from breakfast until well after dinner — are too unforgiving for teachers who do not truly respect and enjoy the company of their students. Indeed, the good ones carry an emotionally vested interest in their progress. The evidence for good teaching, and for good schools, is in the enduring learning that students carry with them years later. Often this lacks specifics about math, chemistry or how to analyze a character in a play. Instead, the responsibilities of being an engaged citizen, of being intellectually honest, of being true to oneself and of helping others find meaning in their lives should emerge. When a faculty and larger school community model principles to create a school where the learned curriculum — what students say their school truly values years after leaving — is given as much attention as the taught curriculum — that which we put in our curriculum maps and syllabi — then the mission is being pursued. Schools with strong leaders who hold close to the seven principles above and work vigorously to continue to discover what their students genuinely learn have ample opportunity to ensure what endures in students’ minds is good. Share with us one of your favorite moments as a teacher. Emerging confidence in the face of a good challenge, whether that be one that I’ve presented to a student or a teacher, is what good teaching is all about. My favorite moments always rest in that nexus of serious challenge and achievement. Seven years ago, an advisee came in to my office in April. As a junior, this student had achieved a tremendous amount during the year and years previous. Too, this student had the unfettered respect of the faculty and peers. But the proverbial wall was beginning to crash down as myriad responsibilities, academic and otherwise, were coalescing seemingly all at once. The student broke down in my office, claiming there was no way to get it all done to her expectations, nor to the implicit expectations of others. After lots of listening, I was able to get her to write it all down — all of the deadlines, responsibilities, pressures, all of it on a single piece of paper. It was unbelievable. I truly don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say the busiest CEOs would have winced at what she had on her plate. I told her she was responsible for complet-
Jared P. Culley ing anything she had started. That was nonnegotiable. But then I asked her a question that she wrote to me about years later: How do any of these things, if not all of them, connect to what’s most important in your life? We talked about that question and how it related to her list for quite a while. It’s something that we stayed in touch about for the rest of her time at St. George’s and, into college and beyond. We all learn the most through our experiences, and often — as unfortunate as it may be at the time — the greatest teacher is failure. She failed at not tending to her life’s passions and values by keeping that question nearby, though it’s something we talked to kids about all the time. Her choices created context, however challenging it was, to learn. I just happened to be there with the time and right question to center her work going forward. Please share with us some of your accomplishments while at St. George’s. My individual accomplishments are really secondary to what some recent data we’ve collected on our students has articulated. Earlier, I explained our three-campus model, which creates an avenue for a significant number of students who otherwise “The ones that seem could not afford an to make the greatest independent school education difference in the lives to attend St. George’s. of kids are the schools The life experiences of that remain student- many of our students are centered, always dramatically different with respect to sofocused on positive, cioeconomic status, access meaningful, productive to resources outside of relationships.” school and having college educated parents. The middle school data we’ve collected for students from low SES that have been in our program since kindergarten shows that we’ve closed the achievement gap when comparing scores of our middle school students from the Memphis campus with scores from the highest scoring public schools in Shelby County. That’s an enormous accomplishment that set the founda-
tion to close other gaps found between populations in standardized tests. At the same time, our seniors continued to gain admittance into some of the most selective schools in the country. Being a founding faculty member for our middle and upper school programs, and building them from scratch with some remarkable kids and colleagues, is also something I’ll always cherish. It was a true entrepreneurial endeavor. What is the most valuable lesson learned while at St. George’s. The kids come first, always. While I have only worked in one school during my career, I’ve student-taught, interned and visited scores of independent schools in the U.S. and India. The ones that seem to make the greatest difference in the lives of kids are the schools that remain student-centered, always focused on positive, meaningful, productive relationships. Part of my educational philosophy states that good teachers work hard and love kids. Unfortunately, I have been astonished at the number of people working in independent schools that don’t really enjoy the promise, nor the company, of children. To me, nothing is more harmful to a great educational endeavor than not holding our students in the absolute highest regard. We worked doggedly at St. George’s to help our students understand our work with them, however challenging it was at times, emanated from a place of deep care and consideration for their promise as individuals. All of my visits and early introductions to Holland Hall affirm that this is a place that cares deeply about children. What are you most looking forward to at Holland Hall? They say the key to knowing when you truly understand another language is when you finally get the jokes native speakers tell. The coming months of exploring and growing to understand the Holland Hall culture, including the importance of our myriad traditions, will be somewhat like learning another language (I also don’t like to make assumptions). I plan to listen a lot and to get a sense of how things work and what the implicit and explicit messages say about our educational endeavors, but I will look forward to the moment when I finally get the jokes, so to speak — when immersion gives way to becoming as close to a native as I can get. This will take a while and it’s a thrilling experience for anyone new to a school.
What do you think will be areas of focus once you begin at Holland Hall? First and foremost, to listen, listen, listen. As the Board prepared for the Head of School search, they worked with members of the faculty to help define an essential document known as the Charge to the Head. Addressing five areas of school life, including curriculum, community engagement, faculty professional growth, administrative structure and resource development and allocation, the Charge is something we’ll visit early and often to hone our work in the coming year and years. Too, our tenyear ISAS accreditation is on the near horizon. We’ll work to complete the self-study this academic year in preparation for the site visit in January 2015. What is your favorite book? Why? I read a lot, mostly non-fiction focused on education. Beyond that, I tend to pick up classical texts, including epic poetry, which I’ve always enjoyed. So, of course, the book that has influenced me the most in the past five years or so doesn’t fall into either one of these categories. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning shares his experiences in various concentration camps during the Holocaust and how we make meaning from suffering. It’s a challenging book to read as the depictions of life in the death camps are gut-wrenching. But his remarkably realistic messages of hope and meaning have helped me come to a better understanding of why we suffer and how we should listen to our lives. To quote Charles Swindoll: “The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.” What do you, Mary and Louie like to do for fun? Together, we are going to love attending lots of Holland Hall arts and athletics events, as well as service opportunities. We also enjoy a great bike ride, swim and the occasional slumpy evening watching a movie together. Separately, Mary enjoys pilates, Louie wants to swim all the time, and I release by skydiving. Do you have a family pet? Sam Culley is a rescued mutt that we fell in love with at the Shelby Country Humane Society. He has a lot of Mountain Cur in him, so he absolutely goes bananas when a squirrel appears in the backyard and is one of the fastest dogs, outside of the greyhound breed, that I have ever seen. He and Louie are big buddies. HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
31
A tribute to
retiring faculty & Staff
SANDRA BROWN
Since 1973 — 40 years What are some of your favorite memories throughout your years at Holland Hall? In 1975 our second son was born. I was teaching third grade and on maternity leave the last month of school. One of my dear students, Francie Lollar White ’84, created an ABC picture book for our new baby boy. The creative, handmade book was shared and loved by our sons. Several years on down the road, I had the privilege of having this young woman's daughters in my classroom. It was so fun to share the book with her daughters! Legacy families have brought much joy to my teaching career. I have hundreds of heartfelt
wooded, open environment as Holland Hall. Our classroom setting, supportive colleagues, parents and our amazing classroom resources provided a perfect place to educate hearts and minds. What will you miss the most? Students laughter, “A-ha” moments and warm hugs. What are your plans for the future? Grandchildren, gardening and grateful journeys. In three words, how would you like to be remembered? Loving, laughter, learner.
SPARKY GROBER
Since 1979 — 34 years What are some of your favorite memories throughout your years at Holland Hall? Just being associated with so many outstanding colleagues and students over these many years. Of course the athletes and teams I was a part of made coaching pretty easy. Coaching my son in both basketball and football is one of my fondest memories.
memories of father/son, mother/daughter, and cousins through the years. By the way, I made it through the Land Run that spring without a playground delivery! If you ever need a laugh, call me and I'll share 40 years of one-liners from students that kept me going each and every day. What makes Holland Hall a special place to teach and learn? I feel so blessed to have spent more than half my life in a beautiful
32
What makes Holland Hall a special place to teach and learn? Holland Hall is special because it is the best -— when you are the best — it is easy to be special. What are your plans for the future? My plans are to watch my grandson grow up and travel as much as possible with my wife — especially in the fall. In three words, how would you like to be remembered? Someone who cared.
FRED UTTER
Since 1981 — 32 years What are some of your favorite memories throughout your years at Holland Hall? Every teacher has some classes that you just connect with. I have had several history classes that fit that mold. We had fun and got a lot accomplished. There was a real comfort zone between us. Rarely has a middle school team been able to play SPC middle schools. In 1995, Dallas St. Mark's had a really good basketball team and heard we were pretty good. Arrangements were made to play them in Oklahoma City at Casady School. I got the feeling before the game that they were feeling pretty confident. We won a hard fought game and it marked my 200th coaching victory at Holland Hall. In 1988 we had another talented 8th grade basketball team. We weren't sure how good we were so we set up a game with Jenks East at their gym. We won and ended the season with a 20-1 record. When I came to Holland Hall from Will Rogers High School, I brought my three children with me. Watching them grow from their many experiences at Holland Hall was very gratifying and a cherished memory.
“John is home today because he is taking a Career Day. He is thinking about his future!” “John has an appointment this morning with Dr. Sealy.” (a mattress!) “Susie will be late this morning because she got ‘lost’ driving to the bank.” “Billy will be late today because he has locked both sets of keys in his car and it is running!” “Matt will not be in school today since he is ‘going to be sick today’.”
What makes Holland Hall a special place to teach and learn? If you take advantage of the resources the school has to offer, you have the opportunity, with hard work, to be successful. What are your plans for the future? Nancy and I plan to travel to places we haven't been. We have five grandkids, so we plan to go to as many of their activities as possible. I also plan to play a lot of golf. In three words, how would you like to be remembered? Caring, positive, honest
BONNIE MARTIN
Since 1993 — 20 years What are some of your favorite memories throughout your years at Holland Hall? The lasting memories I will take with me are many. Getting to know the students and their families, watching the students grow and mature while at Holland Hall and then seeing them years later are precious memories. Due to the nature of my work, I had the privilege of seeing a different side of the student than just the 'student side'. I have always felt fortunate to have had this opportunity to know all aspects of a student's life. Most of all, I will always remember that this was a great place to spend 20 years where I have treasured my role as parent of Melissa, Class of 1998, and as an employee. Coming to school each day has been a joy. When I was in the Attendance Office taking care of daily student attendance, I imagined writing a memoir of the many reasons I was given why a student might be late or absent. I never did this, but I have not forgotten the humorous reasons that came my way. Here are some examples which will always be etched in my mind:
Other favorite memories of mine are those classes teaching human sexuality with Brian Thompson. Although we taught much more than just human sexuality, including healthy decision making in many situations, it was satisfying to know that maybe we helped a few students along the way avoid some life changing consequences. What makes Holland Hall a special place to teach and learn? The people at Holland Hall create a caring, fun and intellectually stimulating environment. What are your plans for the future? I plan to enjoy more time learning and doing new things while living each day with gratitude and hope for the next day. In three words, how would you like to be remembered? I always cared.
CINDY SPAIN
Since 2005 — 8 years What are some of your favorite memories throughout your years at Holland Hall? Some of my favorite memories at Holland Hall revolve around School Out of Doors (SOOD). Besides being a time to get to know the students in a setting away from school, it’s always been interesting to get to know your fellow comrades. I’m sure that Deb Morgan would say to never share a tent with me because of my snoring. Although a student can be excused from SOOD because of a broken foot, I learned that a teacher cannot. I was very popular that year because of the golf cart that I had to use to get around. I also learned that having SOOD in the spring instead of the fall can bring its own trials and tribulations. Keeping about 70 students underground for several hours during a tornado outbreak isn’t my idea of fun. I always felt that we owed those students another attempt at SOOD that year.
What makes Holland Hall a special place to teach and learn? Holland Hall is a special place to teach because you are able to share valuable resources and experiences with the students. In my opinion, 7th grade is extra special because you are teaching kids who are in the midst of tremendous changes socially and physically, which inevitably leads to changes in the academic realm. I’ve always told people that teaching 7th grade keeps you on your toes because you never know who is walking through the door to your classroom. What will you miss the most? I will miss most the people that I work with. I’ve developed true and hopefully long-lasting friendships during my time at Holland Hall. The faculty in the Middle School are the most professional and hard-working people I’ve ever met. What are your plans for the future? My future plans involve traveling more with my husband and burning up the highway to Dallas where my granddaughters live. I’m also sure that I’ll be a foster mother to any domestic or wildlife that comes my way or wanders onto our property. In three words, how would you like to be remembered? Dependable, understanding, and non-judgemental.
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
33
focus on arts
34
I m ag i n atio n is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand. — Albert Einstein — By Steve Dyer, Director of Fine Arts and the Walter Arts Center
Hey Jude ... Understand that I am writing this article the day after attending a concert at the BOK Center by Sir Paul McCartney, an absolutely incredible performance for certain. As I alternately sat, stood, cheered and most certainly sang along, I was struck by the oneness I felt with other audience members, an audience that contained fans separated in age by at least 70 years. At one point in the evening I thought: What if Paul McCartney, and by extension, The Beatles, had never written a single note of music? Or for that fact, what if we lived in a world where there was not music of any kind? What would we have missed? Let’s say for example that Paul McCartney had been a mathematician instead of a musician. Upper School math teacher Karen Holmes would correctly argue that there is beauty in math and undoubtedly the presence of creative genius in all great mathematicians. But, the world would be without all the songs we have come to know and love that were composed by Sir Paul. Take this concept even further. What if the world was devoid of not only music, but of all the fine arts? Can you imagine what our history, or what today’s society would be if DaVinci, Michelangelo, Bach, Mozart and Shakespeare had not utilized their talents in creativity? Think about it - the artistic creations and contributions of Elvis Presley, Georgia O’Keeffe, George Balanchine, Tennessee Williams – all gone! No Heartbreak Hotel, no Taos artist colony, no Serenade, no Street Car Named Desire, – no Stanley Kowalski! Fortunately for us, this is not the case. Our history has not been altered and our lives are profoundly enriched by the multitude of arts experiences that surround us on a daily basis. It is our innate desire to create, our need to be expressive, and most of all our distinct ability to imagine that makes us unique on our planet. Albert Einstein said “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” I read in a recent article by Liane Gabora, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, that this ability to imagine what could be - and what cannot be - is what separates us from even the highest order thinkers in the animal kingdom. For example, imagine a smallish brown dog with a long wagging tail, a coarse coat and floppy ears. Got it? Now, imagine that same dog with bright purple fur and ears like a rabbit. Just for good measure, add the tail of a peacock. Does this animal exist? Certainly not. But the fact that we can use what we know to exist, such as the color purple and peacocks, to imagine something that does not exist is a defining characteristic of human thought capacity. How else would it be possible to make something from nothing? And I am not talking in metaphors – I mean from literally nothing.
Can you envision something that does not exist in the world and bring it into being? Identify a need, imagine a way to fill it, create the image and bring it into existence? Artists can and do – on a daily basis. Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert, defines creativity as “the process of having original ideas that have value.” He goes further to state that the “arts are full of aesthetic experiences through which the senses are operating at their peak capacity.” These abilities to imagine and create are going to be part of the in-demand skill set of the near future. And, it is what our arts students at Holland Hall are doing every day. Partly because they have been given carefully crafted assignments by their teachers to cultivate these skills, but partly because somewhere in their DNA they have the need to create and the capacity to imagine that which does not yet exist. In the arts, you find some of the best examples of ‘something from nothing.’ Think of all the wonderfully creative moments at Holland Hall that would have been missed this year if the fine arts were not a thriving part of our lives. The beautifully crafted artwork of our visual arts students that adorned the walls of the Primary School and Holliman Gallery throughout the year. The opportunity to hear the incredible growth in musicianship that occurs from the time a 6th grade student plays their first notes on a trumpet to the more refined and complex sounds of the Upper School Jazz Band playing the big band tune Woodchopper’s Ball. The beautifully inventive and heartfelt choreography of the middle school dance students began with a ‘free write’ exercise based on the prompts “I wish… I hope… I pray…” And, the resounding success of the Middle School Musical, Radio Kids, by our own Sally Adams was a perfect example of taking pre-existing entities and historical events and combining them with completely original material to create a theatrical production that had never existed before.
Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert, defines creativity as “the process of having original ideas that have value.”
In closing - because we have a culture that celebrates the arts and encourages the creative process I can end with a quote by Paul McCartney – “Na, na na na-na na na, na-na na na……” and you know the rest. HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
35
focus on arts 2012-2013 Notable Arts Accomplishments Primary and Middle School Music • Middle School Honor Choir performed with the Tulsa Oratorio Chorus in November 2012. • 46 students from the Middle School Honor Choir performed in the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City with conductor and composer John Rutter. • Primary School 3rd Graders sang "The Star Spangled Banner" for the Tulsa Oilers in January 2013. • MSHC sang "The Star Spangled Banner" for the Tulsa Oilers in February 2013. • Selected to OMEA Circle the State with Song Choral Festival in January 2013: Jonathan Atkinson ’20, Kaelyn Case ’21, Elsah James ’21, Emily King ’19, Andrew Krueger ’21, Emily Milton ’19, Emily Grace Moore ’19, Sarah Synar ’21. • Selected to ACDA 2013 National Honor Choir in Dallas, TX. - Charlotte Bumgarner ’19, Kaelyn Case ’21, Dakota Christian ’16, Alec Cooper ’19, Jack Grossman ’18, Emily King ’19, Abie Koch ’20, Lexi Lake ’19, Johnny LaFortune ’19, MacLeod Lawson ’18, Bre Lewis ’20, Emily Milton ’19, Elle Mullendore ’20, Sierra Isaacson ’20, Sarah Thomas ’19. Upper School Theatre • From the fall play Dracula Best Actor – for her Dr. Van Helsing, Taylor Neill ’14 Best Supporting Actor – for Nurse Cassidy, Kat Weaver ’15 Technical Contribution – Stage Management, Savannah Montgomery ’13 • From the winter play Alfonso, King of Castile Best Actor – for his King Alfonso, Wes Vrooman ’13 Best Supporting Actor – for Orsino, Zach King ’14 Technical Contribution Stage Management, Bryonia Liggins ’14 • Rookie of the Year - Zach King ’14 • Above and Beyond Award Brianna Hayden ’15 • The Most Valuable Player - Josh Parrack ’13 • The Best Moment Award - Bryonia Liggins ’14 • Player of the Year - Weston Vrooman ’13, for Alfonso in Alfonso, the King of Castile Upper School Visual Arts • 2013 Oklahoma Regional Scholastic Art Awards Winners from Holland Hall 1 Honorable Mention Micaela McGregor ’14, Instructor Laurie Spencer, Ceramics & Glass 10 Silver Key Awards Anna Cohen ’13 (5 Silver Awards), Photography Lauren Eustis ’14, Sculpture Rosie Lovoi ’14, Photography
36
Sarah Martin ’13, Ceramics & Glass Savanna Smith ’14, Sculpture Jacqueline Zanders ’16, Drawing 4 Gold Key Awards Anna Cohen ’13, (2 Gold Awards), Photography Micaela McGregor ’14, Ceramics & Glass Savannah Montgomery ’13, Photography • NCECA (The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) - Micaela McGregor ’14, work entitled “The Black Mamba” was accepted for display at this year’s national exhibition in Houston, Texas. Upper School Band • Jazz Band - 1st place in Class 2A at the Green Country Jazz Festival John Phillip Sousa Award Mat Callegari ’13 Bill Brown Jazz Award Josh Neumaier ’13 Outstanding Musician Awards - Shawn Abhari ’13, Allison Hardin ’13
Junior Rosie LoVoi's two original photos have been published in the book, "Imaginary Oklahoma". Imaginary Oklahoma is a collection of stories written by 46 of today's most important and influential writers, combined with illustrations by cutting-edge artists and photographers, to provide a fictional take on the 46th State. Each piece offers the author's idea of Oklahoma, even though many have never visited the state and none have ever called it home. Through a variety of voices, styles, and literary devices, the authors and illustrators prove that Oklahoma is more than just a place, it's an idea. The book is available for purchase at www.thislandpress.com/store or at retail locations throughout Oklahoma, including Dwelling Spaces and Ida Red in Tulsa.
Upper School Choir • David Rollo Oustanding Choral Music Student – John Dukes ’13 and Mary Frances White ’13 Upper School Orchestra • Holland Hall String Orchestra--Superior rating at the State String Orchestra Contest All State Orchestra - Yuna Ha ’14 and Dorothy Gay ’14 Tulsa Youth Symphony - Yuna Ha ’14 and Cici Zhou’13 1st Place in the Tulsa Camerata Young Chamber Musicians Competition Holland Hall String Quartet 1st Place in the Buttram Competition for Strings Yuna Ha ’14 Tulsa Youth Symphony Concerto Competition Winner Yuna Ha ’14 1st Place in the high school division of the Oklahoma City Ladies Music Club Philip Gamble ’13 • Superior ratings the OSSAA State Solo/ Ensemble contest - Philip Gamble ’13, Yuna Ha ’13, Holland Hall String Quartet and Holland Hall String Ensemble Upper School Faculty Book Awards • Dance –Savannah Montgomery ’13 • Music – Philip Gamble ’13 • Theatre – Emma Genesen ’13 • Visual Art – Anna Cohen ’13, Zach Miller ’13 • Walter Commendation for Excellence in the Arts – Philip Gamble ’13
Savannah Montgomery earned the National Visions Medal for her work entitled, “Working Girls” in the category of photography. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including artists like Andy Warhol, Philip Pearlstein, and Cy Twombly, writers Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, and Joyce Carol Oates, photographer Richard Avedon, actors Frances Farmer, Robert Redford, Alan Arkin, and John Lithgow, filmmakers Stan Brakhage, Ken Burns, and Ned Vizzini. Ninety years after they began, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have grown to become the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the U.S., and the nation’s largest source of scholarships for creative young artists and writers. This year more than 230,000 works of art and writing were submitted. Winning a national award places you within the top 1% of all submissions. In total, there were 21 awards made to Oklahomans. Two were from Holland Hall and both taught by Mr. Abufadil. Holland Hall Senior Savannah Montgomery: National Visions Medal for the work entitled “Working Girls” in the category of photography. (This means Savannah was one of 30 to win a National Visions Medal.) Holland Hall Senior Anna Cohen: Silver Medal for the work “Find Me” in the category of photography.
Holland Hall Transitions
3rd Grade Bridge Crossing
Chaplain’s Corner
I’ve just finished my eighth year at Holland Hall and I am still impressed with our Upper School student choir every time they The Rev. arthur scrutchins offer anthems at Upper School Chaplain our Baccalaureate Service or our Lessons and Carols Service. The beauty and the harmony connect me to something greater. The music always delights my ears; but more importantly, it always nourishes something deep within me. There is a special relationship between the arts and spirituality. The arts have always been an important part of religion. I read somewhere that, "sacred pictures and symbols, sacred dances, chants and hymns have been used in rituals and in places of worship in every religion. The arts seem to provide natural vehicles for expressing or connecting with the supernatural and transcendent." Religion without the inspiration that the arts provide, is incapable of delivering the fullness of its message. There are some truths that just can’t be expressed with mere words. Artists through their various gifts offer ways of binding people together, of making what is truly important comprehended, embraced and felt.
8th Grade Closing Exercise
Commencement
In reflecting on my own spiritual journey, many of my “A-ha” moments have come from the arts. It has been through music, literature, art, and film that I most frequently experience moments of enlightening silence and deep truth. In the day-to-day mad dash we call living, it’s easy to forget that such things exist. However, what life can sometimes cover up, the arts can reveal. On Pink Floyd’s The Wall album, the final track speaks to what artists can do ... The track is entitled "Outside the Wall", and the lyrics are:
All alone, or in two’s The ones who really love you Walk up and down outside the wall. Some hand in hand And some gathered together in bands. The bleeding hearts and artists Make their stand.
And when they’ve given you their all Some stagger and fall, after all it’s not easy Banging your heart against some mad bugger’s wall.
Artists can take their skill and their hearts and bang at the walls that separate us from each other; that separate us from the holy. Artists provide hope that the barriers between our finite minds and our infinite imaginations can come tumbling down.
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
37
Alumni Board Association
From the President of the Alumni Association Board
Mr. Clint Brumble ‘93 President
Dear Holland Hall Alumni,
Mr. Sanford Roberds ‘93 Past President
Once again, we have come to the end of another exciting school year. I am not sure about you, but often when something ends, I attempt to reflect back to celebrate and learn. I assume many of you have visited with your children, grand children, nieces or nephews to celebrate their successes of this past year and to discuss what they learned from the opportunities that facilitated their growth. Similarly, the alumni association has reflected back on this past school year and is excited to report we can celebrate our growing success and we continue to learn how we can actively engage our alumni into the Holland Hall community.
Mr. James Alame ‘04 Ms. Sandra Alexander ‘69 Mr. Darin Alred ‘84 Mr. Brett Baker ‘89 Mr. Robert Butler ‘92 Mr. Russell LaCour ‘75 Mr. Kevinn Matthews ‘88 Ms. Sarah Regan McKinney ‘01 Ms. Virginia Miller ‘71 Ms. Ashley Parrish ‘93 Ms. Susan Pray Rainey ‘85 Ms. Farryl Stokes ‘59 Mr. Oliver Sutton ‘98 Mr. Brad White ‘95
On May 29, Holland Hall celebrated its 90th commencement ceremony. While this is an exciting milestone for our school, more importantly, I want to say congratulations and welcome to the class of 2013! The Alumni Association is excited to grow our constituency and we are looking forward to seeing each of our new alumni at future events. On May 10-11, we celebrated our Reunion Weekend for the classes ending in 3 and 8. We played host to approximately 300 alumni and their guests at the alumni sponsored event at the DoubleTree Hotel, enjoying free beverages and hors d’oeuvres, while honoring two alumni with the presentation of our 2013 Annual Alumni Awards. The Distinguished Alumni Award honored Mark Eckenwiler ’78 and the Young Alumni Achievement Award honored Hillary Bach ’08. Congratulations to each of our award recipients for your achievements. We are grateful for your positive influence and proud to have you in our Holland Hall Community. On January 23, we hosted our first alumni gathering at Prhyme Steakhouse downtown, in an effort to recruit alumni who want to actively participate in our growing association. We had approximately 20 participants and were able to celebrate the addition of 11 new members to the alumni board. On February 2, we celebrated our biggest Trivia Night with more than 300 participants and 30 tables. We were grateful for the increased healthy competition and we want to extend a well-deserved thank you to Justin Thompson ’98 for sponsoring the food through his restaurant, Juniper.
Mr. Joey Wignarajah ‘00
New Members for 2013-2014 Mr. Michael Aaronson ‘93 Mrs. Lindsay Hawkins Bristow ‘95 Mrs. Christina Crozier Crawford ‘87 Dr. Kimberly Dullye ‘83 Mrs. Anne Darnell Gillingham ‘89 Ms. Lewana Bumpers Harris ‘95 Ms. Madison Holder ‘08 Ms. Adrian Reents ‘06 Mr. Mike Schwarz ‘02 Mr. Tyler Sommer ‘95 Mrs. Nan Hawkins Winton ‘91
38
We have a lot to celebrate and we are excited to share these successes with each of you. While we could not celebrate these successes without the careful planning of our board committees, the most important thing we continue to learn is we cannot achieve this success without YOUR participation. It is important that we acknowledge the leadership provided by Christy Utter ’92, Director of Alumni Relations, and Coach Charlie Brown, Interim Director of Institutional Advancement. Their enthusiasm, support and willingness to believe that reaching out and engaging the alumni into the life of Holland Hall would help grow this organization and strengthen this constituency, has been the guiding force we have been seeking. Their actions, in conjunction with the arrival and new leadership of our new Head of School, J.P. Culley, guarantees the ongoing support we need to ensure that each of you know how valuable you are to the vitality and future of Holland Hall. The Alumni Association continues to flourish and we are excited about the continued growth we expect in the years to come. I genuinely hope that when the opportunity affords itself, you will choose to participate in any of our alumni events so you can be reminded of the special bond we have as fellow alumni of Holland Hall. For more information about our board and how you can get involved please visit the website at www.hollandhall.org or contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org. Thank you for your support of and belief in, Holland Hall. I look forward to seeing you engage yourself more in the life of our great institution. Have a safe and relaxing summer! Go Dutch! Clint E. Brumble ’93 President, Holland Hall Alumni Association
Class Notes
1974 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
the field of journalism, contributed to the community and contributed to the success of NABJ Region V. Russell received his award at a banquet on Saturday, April 20 in Little Rock.
1976 Class Correspondent: Cathy Herrin chiefbuddybean@aol.com
Candace Conley ’74 was featured in Urban Tulsa Weekly’s Hot 100 Class of 2013! “Candace Conley -- The chef at The Girl Can Cook! offers catering services and culinary classes from her kitchen on Cherry Street. No matter what kind of dinner you’re fixing, Conley can show you how to do it -- with style! Active on new media as well as in the kitchen, she epitomizes what a 21st-century entrepreneur has to do to be successful.” And the headlines don’t stop there. Chef Candace Conley signed copies of her first cookbook, Cooking without a Parachute, on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.
1975 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Darell Christopher ’76 — After years of touring Europe, native Tulsan Darell Christopher brought his veteran vocal styling back to the Jazz Depot in Tulsa. An accomplished gospel, jazz and R&B vocalist, Christopher has also received high praise for his acting and public speaking. A graduate of Holland Hall, The University of Tulsa and Leadership Tulsa, Christopher also received his Masters degree in Theology from Phillips Theological Seminary. Darell Christopher Presented, “People Get Ready,” a Jazz Depot Show on Sunday, January 20, in Conjunction with Martin Luther King Day.
1980 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Marjorie Atwood ’80 was featured in the Tulsa World recently for her participation in "Operation Art: Awareness Reached Together." She teamed up with a local teenager to produce a piece of art that was up for auction during Mayfest!
1982 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
1977 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Carolyn Y. Paddock ’77 choreographed and danced at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast in D.C. the morning of Jan. 21, 2013. She performed segments from Jeremiah Theatricals operetta "Esther, Sweet Esther" and was honored to be dancing at such a special event and time for our country!
1979 Class Correspondent Needed!
Russell LaCour ’75 was given the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Region V Director’s Award! It is awarded to an outstanding member of Region V who has excelled within
literary magazine published by the University of Tulsa. Nimrod, in its 57th year, is one of the top journals of its kind in the country and many of its selections make their way onto the Top 100 Short Stories or Top 100 Poems each year.
Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Brian Wilson ’79 became a part of the editorial board (selection committee) of Nimrod, the twice-yearly
Tim Blake Nelson ’82 appeared in Stephen Spielberg’s latest classic, Lincoln, as Richard Schell, an American politician who represented New York in the United States House of Representatives from 1874 to 1875. Nelson appeared in other well know features such as O Brother Where Art Thou and The Incredible Hulk to name a few.
1988 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Warren Tyon ’88, a doctor at Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL, delivered a baby in the pouring rain out of HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
39
Class Notes ting-edge drama and modern dance, to engage the community with the visiting artists via educational outreach opportunities. Choregus has an exciting 2013-2014 season planned with performances by Koresh Dance Company, Nicholas Andre Dance, Chanticleer, and others. Ken and the entire Choregus team invite you to join them! Please visit the website www.choregus. org, or call 918-688-6112 for more information and to purchase tickets.
IFP is the nation’s oldest and largest advocacy program for independent filmmaking. In her spare time from making a feature film, Karra works on indie films and (reality) TV shows in the production management department. To learn more about her feature film, visit http://fiscal.ifp.org/project. cfm/500/Influence-of-a-Dollar/
1993 Class Correspondent:
the back of a suburban on February 11, 2013. Way to spring into action, Warren! “My first thought was why can’t we pull that big suburban under the car port? The doors are flung open and it’s a torrential downpour with a tornado warning — this woman is half hanging out and fully clothed. And some little old lady is trying to get in her car who is blocking the entry. Someone brings a stretcher outside and it’s drenched and saturated. Anyway, it was a girl. I did like the midwives do and just put the baby on mom’s belly until someone brought clamps and scissors and such.” Christy ’88 & Dominic Spadafore welcomed baby Deborah Vincenza Spadafore "Cenza" on January 24, 2013.
1992 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Jason Maddox ’92 married Jenn Lowe on February 2, 2013. The couple resides in Tulsa, OK. Founded by Ken Tracy, father of Holland Hall alumni Tami Tracy Sufi ’90 and Torie ’92, Choregus Productions presents outstanding performing arts that would otherwise not appear on Tulsa stages, including multi-cultural presentations, avant-garde music, cut40
Karra Duncan ’92 has been busy on the film circuit. Her last short film won the Silver Lei Award for Excellence in Filmmaking in the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival. It was an official selection of seven film festivals and screened on ABC,
CBS, NBC, CW and FOX in over 100 cities two years in a row as part of a TV show that featured emerging Black Filmmakers called "African-American Short Films". After that, she took the leap to making her first feature film. It is based on her own coming of age story where she was living a life between two worlds (the Holland Hall life in the day and then dodging bullets in the ghetto after hours). She wrote and will be directing that feature film entitled "Influence of a Dollar". The film follows an unlikely friendship between a sheltered, private school girl (Dana) and an audacious, young gangster (Che), and how that results in an unconventional business deal. To 18-year-old Dana, having to dodge bullets on the way home from field hockey practice is simply a part of life. Her scholarship is her ticket out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. On the first day of senior year, the new kid turns out to be the fearless Che who has made a name for himself in the local drug game. Karra is still in the fundraising stage and IFP has gotten behind her as their fiscal sponsor - meaning all donations to the film are tax deductible.
Missy Lieberman Jackson melissa874@aol.com
Kristin Byers ’93 Cole and husband Michael welcomed baby girl Raegan Mychal to the family on February 26, 2013. Raegan weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 oz, 19 inches long! She joins big brother Peyton (8) and big sister Addie (2).
Brandie Booth ’93 Redman and her husband, Justin, welcomed baby boy Alexander Booth on May 13, 2013. He was born at 5:36 p.m., weighed 7 lbs and was 21 3/4 inches long. He joins a very happy big sister, Savannah!
Class Notes
1994
1995
Marianne McGregor Guelker
Class Correspondent Needed!
mariannemcgregorguelker@gmail.com
Please contact Christy Utter at
(801) 577 – 9775
cutter@hollandhall.org
Ashley Wheatley ’95 Higgins and husband Matthew welcomed baby girl Sophia Lindsay to their family on January 30, 2013. She was born at 2:20 p.m. and weighed in at 6lbs, 8oz.
Glenna Reed Huber ’94 and husband, Rick, welcomed baby boy Jonas on December 26, 2012. He weighed in at 5lbs, 6 oz.
Jeff ’96 & Adriane Jaynes welcomed a son, William Daniel Jaynes, to their family on May 2, 2013. He was born at 9:30 a.m., weighed in at 8 lbs, 4 oz and was 20.5 inches long. He joins big brother Ben! John ’96 & Lauren Coyle welcomed their newest addition, Emma, on May 13, 2013! She was born at 5:16 p.m. and weighed in at 8lbs, 10oz.
1997 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Brad ’95 & Jennifer White welcomed their third child, Pete, on May 8, 2013. He joins big sister Harper and big brother Max!
1996 Class Correspondent: Sarah (Lemons) Bradbury
Noel O’Haren Groves ’94 and husband John welcomed baby boy Declan Jameson Groves on January 18, 2013. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 4 oz.
Tamy Young ’94 Dillon and her husband Paul welcomed home baby boy Jonathon Thomas on December 19, 2012. The couple adopted Jonathon after his birth on October 1st and gave big sister Lexi and big brother Luke a new sibling.
sarahebradbury@yahoo.com 214-499-2168 (cell)
Sarah Stanford Freed ’97 and husband Jason welcomed baby girl Adelyn Susan on August 10, 2012 at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa. She was 5lbs, 11oz and 19 inches long!
Matt Boyd ’96 and his wife Kira Benson Boyd are now the proud parents of twins, Bryden and Kensal. They were born on May 2nd at 3:28 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. respectively!
Ginny Baker ’97 Anderson and her husband Scott welcomed baby girl Emma Grace to the world on April 17, 2013. She weighed in at 6lb, 4oz.
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
41
Class Notes February 23, 2013 at 7:02 p.m. She weighed 8lbs, 1oz. Kyle manages a Chili’s restaurant in Moore, OK and provided complimentary meals to all the teachers and staff of Plaza Towers Elementary School. Plaza Towers was destroyed during the deadly tornados in May. Kyle’s restaurant and its employees honored those heroes and helped bring service and care to some of those who needed it most. Kalen Fisher ’97 Poston and husband Brooke welcomed their second child, a girl, on May 15, 2013. Baby Leah joins 4-year-old brother Ben.
1998
Ryan Pagel ’99 and his wife Tishey Miller welcomed son Cooper William Pagel on February 27, 2013. He weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz and joins big brother Grayson in the family!
Class Correspondent: Kate Rusley Gorman k8gorman@yahoo.com
Eric ’98 & Leesha Vogt welcomed their son, Hunter James, to the world on April 27, 2013.
Acacia Allen Flamm ’00 and husband David welcomed baby girl Sally Katherine Flamm to the world on April 22, 2013. She weighed in at 6lbs, 13oz! Acacia and David already have a daughter, Laine!
1999 Class Correspondent: Amalia (Wolsiski-Kuhn) Talty akuhn27@gmail.com
Abigail Thomas ’99 King and her husband Stan welcomed baby boy Thomas Charles King on February 28, 2013. He weighed in at 8lbs, 15oz! Melissa ’99 & D.J. Nuzum welcomed baby girl Caroline Nuzum on June 2, 2013 at 8:14 a.m. In Melissa's words, “She is small, but feisty!”
2000 Margaret Rosene Robinson
Kristen Lewis Abell ’99 and her husband Tom welcomed baby boy Charles Lewis Abell (Charlie) on December 15, 2012.
Kyle Brown ’99 and his wife Kaylynn welcomed their first child, Jaidyn, on 42
alieze@aol.com, hhclassof2000@aol.com 918-640-0735
Mark ’00 and Alissa Roberts welcomed baby girl Eliana Violet on January 30, 2013.
Matt McUsic ’00 is currently working for Dancing With The Stars, having previously worked on Love in the Wild and Survivor. His segments on "Dancing With The Stars" and can be seen on ABC.com. Both segments are AT&T Spotlight packages, the first about a group of dancers in the most violent city in America, and the second about a dancer who lost her foot in the recent Boston marathon bombing.
2001 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Maggie Rosene ’00 Robinson and husband Casey welcomed a baby girl Fionna Alieze to their family on April 23, 2013.
Candace Turner ’01 & Doug Gerlemann welcomed twins Francis Louis & Henri Douglas on February 13, 2013!
Lauren Dyer ’00 married Alan Bean on February 2, 2013. The couple resides in Nashville, TN.
Tricia Rojas ’01 married Matthew McClurg on May 4, 2013. The couple resides in Tulsa.
Class Notes
Patrick Bruce ’01 and his wife Hayley, welcomed baby girl Annie Elizabeth to their family on January 21, 2013.
2002 Class Correspondent: Bryan Lieber Bryan.lieber@gmail.com
Sophie Oppenheimer ’02 — Since graduating from Holland Hall, Sophie obtained a BA from University of Colorado in Boulder, then went to Tufts University in Boston for a dual
master’s degree in epidemiology and biostatistics and food policy and applied nutrition. She is currently working as a program evaluation consultant for several organizations, including Oklahoma Farm and Food Alliance and Janada L. Bachelor Foundation. Sophie helps organizations monitor and evaluate their programs to show their impact, find ways to improve operations, raise awareness and fundraise. Most of her work focuses on food security, nutrition, health, education and sustainable food production in domestic and international settings. Sophie has also taken up competitive professional armwrestling. After being entered in a competition by her brother EJ, she won and caught the eye of
international professional armwrestler, Geoff Hale. She has been training and competing for the last year and a half and has won several tournaments and titles including Oklahoma State Champion and the Women’s 60kg National Champion. Sophie is currently ranked #1 right handed and #5 left handed in the US Women’s lightweight division. Her goal is to compete at the World Championships in September.
2004 Class Correspondent: Molly Munroe marykmunroe@gmail.com
Kevin ’02 & Christine Flaherty welcomed baby girl Catherine Mary on April 12, 2013. Catherine weighed in at 7lbs, 6oz.
2003 Class Correspondent: Leslie Sanditen leslieesanditen@gmail.com
Miranda Karathanos-Davidson ’04 married Travis Davidson on May 17, 2013. The couple honeymooned in San Francisco and reside in Stillwater, OK.
918-625-6903
Katie Packell ’03 successfully defended her thesis in the I/O Psychology Doctoral program at the University of Tulsa in late April. When you see her, you may now call her Dr. Packell!
Aja Siegel ’03 Painter and husband T.J. welcomed baby girl Olivia Kate on February 16, 2013!
Derrick Taylor ’04 married Caitlin Taylor on February 23, 2013. Whitney Davidson ’04 married Jack McClendon on April 6, 2013.
2005 Class Correspondent: Sam Plost sam.plost@gmail.com, 918-808-0531
Karrie Thomas ’03 married Jay Burkhardt on May 24, 2013.
Dr. Jordan Cassidy ’05 graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2013. She has accepted an internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and will be staying in Stillwater for the coming year. After completion of her internship Jordan plans to enter private practice with a focus on performance horse medicine. HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
43
Class Notes
Barron Ryan ’05 released his debut solo piano album, Classical with Attitude, to a sold-out audience at his Tulsa, OK release party in March 2013. It features concert music infused by jazz and ragtime and has an enjoyed overwhelmingly positive listener response. The album can be purchased online and at select Tulsa area retailers, all found at BarronRyan.com. Joe Hunt ’05 graduated from the Boston University School of Law with an LL.M. in Taxation in May 2013. He accepted an offer from the Mergers & Acquisitions group of Deloitte Tax LLP and currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts. Tana Karnchanakphan ’05 has pursued a new business venture in the world of poker and apparel. In June 2012, RunGoodGear.com was established and set to become poker’s #1 apparel for players in the US. Following in the footsteps of the brand Tap Out for Mixed Martial Arts, RunGoodGear has been seen on various big-stage poker Final Tables including the ESPN televised 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table. To learn more about the company visit www.rungoodgear.com. Tory Keeter (Camerer) ’05 graduated from OU with a MS in exercise physiology in May 2012. She now teaches first aid/CPR at OU to undergraduate students in the Health and Exercise Science department. She is also a wellness technician and fit coach with Integris Health in Oklahoma City. She married Grant in June 2012 and they live in Norman, OK.
44
Dr. Sam Plost ’05 graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas with an M.D. in May 2013. He accepted a position in the Internal Medicine residency program at Tulane University School of Medicine. He will be relocating to New Orleans in June to continue his training. Sam hopes to pursue a career in Internal Medicine. Kylie Sparks (non graduate) Won an award for Best Writing-comedy, Best Ensemble and Best Comedy for Squaresville at the 2013 IAWTV (International Academy of Web Television) Awards. Squaresville is an American comedy web series created by Matt Enlow. The show follows best friends Esther and Zelda as they deal with life in their suburban town, one adventure at a time. It premiered on YouTube on March 16, 2012.
2006 Class Correspondent: Grant Plost grant-plost@ouhsc.edu 918-289-1041
her research on the neurological consequences of diabetes and obesity. JP Bennett ’06 now works for the Broken Arrow Fire Department and recently finished their fire academy. He and his wife Ann Bartlett Bennett ’07 are expecting their first child, a boy, this summer. Mani Javvaji ’06 graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in May 2012 and will be starting her residency in dermatology at Columbia University-New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City this year. Steven Berklacy ’06 is finishing his first year of law school at Oklahoma City University. His current interests include oil and gas law, health law and patent law. He will be interning at a law firm this summer. Kunal Sangal ’06 is graduating from Boston University School of Medicine and will be beginning a residency in Internal Medicine this summer at Wake Forest in North Carolina.
2007 Class Correspondent: Jason Maloney Jason-Maloney@utulsa.edu
Brittany Kelley Stewart ’06 and husband Ryan welcomed baby girl Presli Ann on February 5, 2013. She was 20 inches long and weighed 7lbs, 9oz. Marlena Kuhn ’06 was accepted into the MD-PhD program at Wake Forest University. She was awarded the Argenta Fellowship, which will fund
Jason Maloney ’07 proposed to Alexa Harrison atop a mountain in Keystone, Colorado on December 30, 2012. The two reside in Tulsa and are planning on a Memorial Day weekend wedding in 2014.
Class Notes
2009 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Connor Barnhart ’09 graduated magna cum laude with an ScB in human biology, with honors. He is the recipient of the 2013 George W. Hagy Prize in Human Biology and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. Connor is currently applying to medical school and working in social impact consulting in Boston, MA next year with New Sector Alliance. Jeffrey Moseley ’09 graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He majored in business with a minor in Chinese. Jeffrey also received the Frensley Memorial Scholarship Award for being an outstanding Ruf/Nek. The Ruf/Neks are an all-male student pep-squad for the University of Oklahoma, a group started in 1910.
2010 Class Correspondent: Jordanne Morrow J.MORROW@tcu.edu
Elizabeth Lackey ’10 was accepted into Vanderbilt’s Neuroscience Honors Program. She is a cheerleader at Vanderbilt and helped cheered the Commodores to victory in the Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl on December 31, 2012 over the NC State Wolfpack!
Maggie Brady ’10 – The Brown University Field Hockey team had its end of year awards banquet. Junior tri-captain Maggie Brady was presented with the Tricia E. Colligan ’96 Sportsmanship Award. The award is presented to the player who shows fairness, courtesy to teammates and opponents and graciousness in both winning and losing. A sounding board for her teammates and a consistently reliable resource for the staff, this recipient exemplifies what it means to be a great teammate. Generous to a fault, she constantly puts the program and her teammates before herself. Her kindness, combined with her willpower, has propelled her development into a commendable leader and all around amazing young woman.
2012 Class Correspondent Needed! Please contact Christy Utter at cutter@hollandhall.org
Jenny Carmichael ’12 was recently presented with the PACE Award at the University of Oklahoma! The PACE Award honors the top 1% of freshman throughout the university. In addition to winning the PACE Award, she was selected as the President’s
Jules and Paris Townsend ’12 earned the ultimate prize in college sports on June 5, 2013 when their OU Sooner softball team beat Tennessee for the National Championship! The Sooners won two straight games in the Bestof-3 series to claim the title! In Loving Memory: Mark Dyer ’79 passed away on December 31, 2012. Scott Zarrow passed away on December 30, 2012. He was the father of Alison ’06 and Rachel ’09, and uncle to Rebecca Richards ’95 and Eric Richards ’00. Steve Connor passed away on December 24, 2012. He was the husband of Susan Connor (PS teacher) and father of two current students – John ’18 and Morgan. David Salyer ’82 passed away in December 2012. Katherine Rizley Johnson passed away on April 14, 2013. She was the mother of Nancy Rizley Lipotich ’76 and mother-inlaw of Clark Lipotich ’75. John H. Williams passed away in early May. He was the father of Miller Williams ’69. Mary McBirney Bryan Allen, a Nongraduate alumnus, passed away on April 26, 2013.
Outstanding Freshman for the 2016 school year, which is based on the areas of academics, involvement, community service, and character.
Maurice Goldberg passed away on January 13, 2013. He was the father-in-law of Lynn Frazier ’86 Goldberg. Janet Felt Deck ’48 passed away on April 8, 2013. Sue Frankli Ogle ’54 passed away in early April, 2013. HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
45
From the Director of Alumni Relations What a difference a year makes. I have said these words many times throughout my professional career and yet, the saying holds true once again as I approach the end of my first year at Holland Hall. I was prepped during the interview process as to what my role would be as Director of Alumni Relations, but after a year at the helm, it has proven to be so much more.
Trivia Night 2013 Trivia Night changed its atmosphere this year by moving from the Commons in the Upper School to the Middle School Gymnasium. The Commons proved to be too small for this wildly entertaining and growing event. Attendance increased from 200 to 300 trivia enthusiasts, resulting in better competition, more fun, more laughs and of course … more chances for some teams to not come in last place! The question categories covered such topics as 90’s Movies, The Beatles music round, Sports, Acronyms and more! New to Trivia Night 2013 were raffle items being given out between rounds. Prizes ranged from wine baskets to Hard Rock Hotel complementary room nights to the grand prize being an iPad Mini. The players enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Juniper Restaurant and its owner and Holland Hall alumnus Justin Thompson ’98. Ken Busby ’85 returned after a oneyear hiatus to host the event. He can battle with the best of them and we hope he returns for years to come! With team names ranging from 50 Shades of Greatness, Gettin’ Trivy With It, Out on PayRole, Striving for Mediocrity, Tough Negotiators, Wikipedia Wildcats and Mixed Media, it was the Bridesmaids who claimed the top prize! Team captain Tammie Maloney stacked her team with David Maloney, Ann Tierney, Gary Kirk, Angela Jones, Michael Berglund, Phil Sweeney, David Kidd, Dolores Schiffman and Rachel Blue. They will carry the traveling trophy until the next Trivia Night event in 2014. Second prize went to the Tough Negotiators and third prize went to Team Cobb. The Trivia Night Committee consisted of Alumni Association Board members Ashley Parrish ’93, chair, Virginia Miller ’71, Sarah Regan Mckinney ’02, James Alame ’05 and Sandra Alexander ’69. A special thank you to our sponsors: Juniper, Southwest Payroll, Odyssey Digital Printing, Part-Time Pros, Yellow Dog Design Works, GH2 Architects, Tom’s Bicycles, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Ranch Acres Wine and Spirits, Encompass Home Health, Cosmo Café and Bar, Leon’s and Hibiscus.
Trivia Night 2014 is already on the schedule! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1, 2014. You won’t want to miss the fun! 46
I find myself using the phrase “I get to” instead of “I have to” more often than not. I get to meet alumni from every decade who share the same passion and appreciation of Holland Hall that I have. I get to meet current students who are benefitting from the same great opportunities that were afforded to me and who are taught and mentored by an equally amazing faculty and staff. I get to reconnect with former classmates who have gone through what seems like a lifetime of changes and I get to see what kind of adults they have become. I get to work and thrive at a place where differences are appreciated and where all types of people are not only welcomed, but supported and encouraged to be themselves. I get to see the recent graduates go to amazing colleges and universities, and I get to hear how recent college graduates attribute their great preparation to the modular schedule, learned time management and prioritization, and working and thriving on a team whether it be on the stage, athletic field or classroom. And finally, I get to serve on the Alumni Association Board where volunteers whose graduation years span from ’69 to ’08 all serve for the common goal of selflessly giving back to Holland Hall. As the school year comes to an end, I encourage you to think about what you get to do. I think you will find that your outlook on life and the people in it will hold greater importance and value. Christy Utter ’92 Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Receptions & Gatherings 1
2
3
4
8
5
6
7
1. Tyler Archibald '94, Amanda Beck Maughan '92, Charlie Brown, Christy Utter '92, Michael Beck '91, Agela West Carter '92, Laura Barker Mortensen '71 2. Mallory Chambers Tucker '95 & Dylan Bird '99 3. Ray Powell '12, Eryn McCarver '12 & Charlie Brown 4. Sam Hayes '87 & Joan Harvey Wylie '63 5. Leslie Berlin '87 & Roger Roberts '83 6. Charles (Chip) Williams Jr. '75 & Elizabeth Paige '86 7. David Todd '91 & Scott Hawkins '93 8. Eduard Briceno '94 & Sean Goller '89 9. (Back) Michael Cibula '92, Wendy Atkins Pattenson '70, Charlie Brown, Danielle Beynet Kling '90, Greg Wolfe '83, Dylan Bird '99, (Front) Sean Beckett '93, Mallory Chambers Tucker '95 & Christy Utter '92
9
Receptions: California & Utah Holland Hall is made up of a special group of people with a common set of experiences that helped prepare them for a lifelong journey. The purpose of our alumni receptions is to re-connect individuals whose lives have taken them on separate paths. The alumni association hopes the receptions in your city provide not only an avenue to visit with old friends, but learn about other alumni in your locale. As ambassadors of the school, the alumni association wants to discover what you value most about your Holland Hall experience, what you think should never change and what advice you can offer that will ensure future generations receive the same great education. Your alumni voice is vital to the progress of the school! The first stop on the three-city tour was at RN74 Wine Bar in San Francisco on February 27, 2013. Guests enjoyed fresh oysters, fine cheeses and delicious wine from Napa Valley. In attendance were Michael Cibula ’92, Danielle Beynet Kling ’90, Sean Beckett ’93 and his wife, Aimee, Mallory Chambers Tucker ’95, Dylan Byrd ’99, Wendy Atkinson Pattenson ’70 and Greg Wolfe ’83 and his wife, Stacey. The night was filled with great memories, great networking and of course, great bonding over stores of times at Holland Hall!
The next stop was Palo Alto, California for a wonderful evening at Zibibbo Restaurant. In attendance were graduates from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Some great connections were made and mentor opportunities developed throughout the evening! A special thank you to Leslie Berlin ’87, Rick Dodd ’87, Joan Harvey Wylie ’63, David Todd ’91, Sean Goller ’89, Roger Roberts ’83, Ed Briceno ’94. Alison Zarrow ’06, Rachel Zarrow ’09, Sam Hayes ’87, Carrie Gomez-Shaked ’98 and her husband, Tal, for attending this very memorable evening! The final stop on the alumni tour was in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 27, 2013. Although the Beck clan outnumbered just about everyone there, there was a great turnout at the Bambara Restaurant in the Hotel Monaco. A special thanks to Laura Barker Mortensen ’71, Angela West Carter ’92 and her husband, David, Eryn McCarver ’12, Ray Powell ’12, Tyler Archibald ’94, Michael Beck ’91 and is wife, Jevanna, Elizabeth Paige ’86 and her husband, Perry Hull, Martha Page, Peter and Rosemary Beck, Chip Williams Jr ’75 and host, Amanda Beck Maughan ’92 for attending the event! The alumni association looks forward to visiting Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC and Dallas/Fort Worth in 2013-2014! HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
47
Alumni Reunion Weekend 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1. Charlie Brown, Emily Watson Hillsman '78, Dee Condry, Kyle Condry, Mark Condry '78, Mark Eckenwiler '78 & Carol Edwards Owens '78 2. Marlo Smith Wagner '88, Kelly Smith Bramlett '88 & Amy Loughridge Acquaviva '88 3. LeAnne Robinson Sandefer '93, Sanford Roberds '93, Hannah Kemp Middlebrook '93, Trevor Snyder '93 & daughter, Andrew Ryan '93, Holly Ryan & son 4. Bo Rainey '83, Greg Wolfe '83, Paul Stafford '83, Roger Roberts '83 & Tony Mascarin '83 5. Nathan Crosby '03, Tyler Pagel '03, Sarah Yates Hutcherson '03, Russell Hutcherson '03 & Aaron Dyer '03 6. Christy Utter '92, Hannah Kemp Middlebrook '93 & Kristin Byers Cole '93 7. Kevins Matthews '88, Markus Kamp '88, Marlo Smith Wagner '88, Kelly Smith Bramlett '88, Amy Loughridge Acquaviva '88 & Keith Everett '88
Alumni Reconnect During Reunion Weekend May 10-13, 2013 promised to be a great weekend and it did not disappoint! The weekend kicked off on Friday, May 10th at 8:15 a.m. with an Alumni Panel Discussion in the commons. Our panelists were impressive to say the least and they shared some valuable stories and information with the entire Upper School. Our panelists included Sarah Yates Hutcherson ’03, a pediatric nurse, Keith Everett ’88, a retired Lieutenant Commander with the United States Navy, Kevinn Matthews ’88, an attorney for WPX Energy in Tulsa, Markus Kamp ’88, a writer-editor for Boeing and musician in Seattle, Dr. Deborah Jenkins ’75, a doctor serving with Doctors Without Borders, Mark Eckenwiler ’78, a Privacy and Security attorney in Washington, DC, and celebrating her 50-year reunion, Robin Flint Ballenger ’63, the first female chairman of Flintco, a construction company based in Tulsa. Question: What is
48
the sign of a great panel? Answer: Students lining up after the program to talk further with the panelists, and that is exactly what happened! Following the panel discussion, other visiting alumni were treated to a campus tour led by our Interim Director of Admission Olivia Martin and lunch with current and former faculty members in the Alumni Center. After a break from the morning events and little rest, the alumni stormed the DoubleTree Warren Place Hotel for what turned out to be a spectacular evening. 400+ guests turned up for the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and All-Sports Banquet. Hall of Fame inductees were Nick Bunting ’03, Parker Fleming ’95, Lori Frank ’73, Emily Watson Hillsman ’78, Romney Nowlin McGuire ’94, Jeff
Moore ’71, Carol Edwards Owens ’78, Coach Dan Hildebrand and the 1992 Boys Cross Country Team (Channing Smith ’94, Richie Wagner ’94, Jason Lee ’93, Tyler Archibald ’94, Trent Tucker ’93, Parker Fleming ’95, Justin Meade ’94, Chad Stanford ’93, Greg Wnuk ’95, Matt Boyd ’96, John Baikie ’96, Jim Patterson ’95, Jay Bost ’94, Pete Willis ’96 and Damian Lawrence ’95). Following the ceremony, the alumni went down the hall to enjoy the All Alumni Party. With upwards of 300 in attendance, the trips down memory lane were numerous, the expressions of joy on everyone’s faces as they recognized an old friend or classmate were priceless and the feeling of Holland Hall pride was abundant. The food, beverages and fun were compliments of Holland Hall!
Alumni Reunion Weekend A new addition to the All Alumni Party was the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards. With so many fellow graduates in attendance, it proved to be the perfect location to honor those alumni most deserving of these two awards. The Young Alumni Award recognizes the alumna or alumnus from the last 15 years who has made a significant mark on his or her university or community, and excels in their profession or pursuit of education. This year’s recipient was Hillary Bach ’08. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who demonstrates exceptional service on a local, state or national level, exhibits a high degree of character and integrity, demonstrates exceptional accomplishment in his or her profession and whose accomplishments, affiliations and career(s) have honored the legacy of excellence at Holland Hall. This year’s recipient was Mark Eckenwiler ’78. After hours of fun at the party, the night came to end so a new day could begin. The All Alumni Cookout on the fields behind the Upper School was a rousing success! With Jupiter Jumps, Clowns making balloon animals and a crazy scientist keeping the kids wildly entertained, the event proved to be one worth coming back for year after year.
1
2
3
4
5
The weekend finale came on Saturday night when the classes of 2003, 1993, 1988, 1983, and 1978 hosted reunion parties of their own! From the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Vintage Wine Bar, The Mayo Hotel Bar and the private home of Dr. Christine Franden, these classes spent the evening reminiscing and enjoying each other’s company much like they did 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years ago!
1. Class of 1983 (Back) Paul Stafford, Melinda Wood, Bo Rainey, Greg Wolfe, Tony Mascarin, Diana Detrick Medders, Vasser Bailey (Front) Arden Roberts, Christine Franden, Susan Dees, Michele McKinney Tetrick, Amanda Wood Groth, Mariah Dickson, Roger Roberts, Alan Milligan, Kelly Groenewold Mather, Kimberlie Dullye & Jimmy Meehan 2. Romney Nowlin McGuire '94, Richie Wagner '93 & Parker Fleming '95 3. Brett Baker '89 & Sanford Roberds '93 4. Mark Eckenwiler '78, Julie Yeabower '77, Nancy Rizley Lipotich '76, Clark Lipotich '75, Emily Watson Hillman '78 & Thomas Hillsman 5. Markus Kamp '88 & Kevinn Matthews '88 6. Sparky Grober & Trent Tucker '93 7. Class of 2003 - Patrick Thornton, Melissa McKnight & Michael Harris.
6
7
HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
49
DUTCHSPORTS Spring Sports Highlights Girls Basketball SPC Division I Runner up
For the fourth time in five years, the girls basketball team played in the finals of the SPC Tournament. The program lost three starters from the previous season, battled through injuries, added new players and overcame a slow start to end the season with a strong finish. The girls basketball program has won 31 straight North Zone counter games dating back to 2009. The girls hit their stride after winter break as they battled Class 2A state champion OKC Northeast in the finals of the Stroud tournament. Confidence followed, wins piled up and the girls basketball team made a mighty run at the SPC title but fell short to Kinkaid, 60-58. The Dutch were coached by Crystal Lawson, Becky Heidotten and Tag Gross.
Winter/Spring All SPC:
Girls Basketball Kelsey Arnold Anne Savage Boys Basketball Zack Rogers Boys Soccer Nate Stewart Phillip White Girls Soccer Jenna Byers Allie Ramsey Baseball John Byers Nick Holm Boys Tennis Evan Shrestha David Graybill Boys Golf Arjun Reddy Girls Golf Marcella Pierre Girls Tennis Cheryl Kalapura Track & Field Elizabeth Adelson Michaela McGregor Softball Kelsey Arnold Erin Best
Five track and field records broken
Senior Caroline Adelson, junior Michaela McGregor and freshman Elizabeth
50
Adelson set a total of five girls track and field records this spring. Caroline broke the school record for the 800m with a time of 2:20.49 and in the 1600m with a time of 5:14.16. Michaela broke her own records in the 100m and 200m with times of 12.19 and 25.25. Michalea won the 100m at SPC for the third consecutive year. Elizabeth set the school record of 5-8 in the high jump and was the SPC champion.
2013 Seniors Participating in College Athletics
Caroline Adelson Cornell, Track and Field Matt Bayliss UT-San Antonio, Football Erin Best Rhodes College, Field Hockey Jackson Buchanan Harding, Soccer Erika Celoni Rockhurst, Soccer Bridge Craven Trinity University, Football Sam Gray University of Oklahoma, Tennis Jordan Sexton Bethany College, Football Grayson Solomon Gebettsburg College, Football Nate Stewart Long Island University, Soccer Phillip White Harding, Soccer
Dutchman Award changed to Charles H. Brown Award
After 43 years, the Dutchman Award is getting a new name. The Holland Hall coaches unanimously decided that the award should bear the name of long time athletic director and head football
coach, Charles H. Brown. Coach Brown has served Holland Hall for the past 48 years as teacher and coach. Daily, he models the characteristics that this award recognizes: leadership, good sportsmanship, strong endeavor and perseverance.
Margaret W. Kaboth and Charles H. Brown Award Recipients Congratulations to seniors Erika Celoni and Phillip White for receiving the Margaret W. Kaboth and Charles H. Brown Awards presented to the outstanding male and female athletes at graduation. These awards go to the athletes that best demonstrate leadership, good sportsmanship, strong endeavor and perseverance.
Junior Kelsey Arnold breaks hitting average record for softball
Kelsey Arnold broke the school batting average record as she hit an astonishing .813 on the season. Kelsey went 11 for 12 at the SPC tournament. Kelsey has earned 12 varsity letters (volleyball, basketball, softball and track/field in her three years at Holland Hall. She has earned 8 All SPC honors.
Athletic Hall of Fame and Sports Banquet
Student Athletes and Alumni Celebrate Dutch Athletics
T
he purpose of the Athletic Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor the great athletes who have brought fame to Holland Hall, foster pride, preserve good sportsmanship, scholarship and citizenship in the greater Holland Hall community and establish in the hearts and minds of our youth a motivating influence to excel. On Friday, May 10, 2013 alumni, coaches, faculty, parents and students came together to celebrate the tradition of Holland Hall athletics and the accomplishments of current and former athletes. More than 400 guests were treated to a special evening honoring the following teams and individuals being inducted into the Hall of Fame: Nick Bunting ’03, Parker Fleming ’95, Lori Frank ’73, Emily Watson Hillsman ’78, Romney Nowlin McGuire ’94, Jeff Moore ’71, Carol Edwards Owens ’78, Coach Dan Hildebrand and the 1992 Boys Cross Country Team (Channing Smith ’94, Richie Wagner ’94, Jason Lee ’93, Tyler Archibald ’94, Trent Tucker ’93, Parker Fleming ’95, Justin Meade ’94, Chad Stanford ’93, Greg Wnuk ’95, Matt Boyd ’96, John Baikie ’96, Jim Patterson ’95, Jay Bost ’94, Pete Willis ’96 and Damian Lawrence ’95). KJRH Sports Anchor, Al Jerkins, emceed the event. He recognized current student-athletes who were Three Sport Letter Winners, All SPC award recipients, Exemplary Accomplishments, Senior Achievements, and those who were on Runner-Up Teams. Also honored were outgoing coaches
Becky Heidotten, girls basketball, John Bennett, football and baseball, Fred Utter, football and basketball, and Sparky Grober, football, basketball and golf. With their many years of service, we were honored to give them one final tribute. And finally, the 2013 Charles H. Brown Coach Award for unmatched dedication and service was presented to football, soccer and basketball coach, Brian Thompson. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee was comprised of alumni and current and former faculty and staff. Thank you to Interim Headmaster Richard Hart, Athletic Director Steve Heldebrand, Director of Development and former coach Charlie Brown, Director of Alumni Relations Christy Utter ’92, faculty members Karen Harris, Phil Sweeney and Richard Spencer, and alumni members Nancy Rizley Lipotich ’76, Christina Crozier Crawford ’87, Greg Hughes ’84 and David Sturdivant ’98 for taking the time and working so hard to select such an impressive class. A special thanks to our generous sponsors: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., Allen Family Foundation Fund, Bank of Oklahoma, Buford Ranches, LLC, Byers Outdoor Advertising, Cimarron Equipment, LLC, J.W. & Mollie Craft, Perry and Jessica Farmer, Jeff and Shari Harjo and Famiy, Hilti, Platinum Mechanical, LLC, The Movement Disorder Clinic of Oklahoma and Vacuworx International. HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE
51
Holland Hall 5666 E. 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID TULSA, OK Permit No. 582
Return Service Requested
Mark Your Calendars for
Holland Hall’s Homecoming! September 6-7, 2013
Join the Holland Hall Alumni Association on Facebook!